Largest Wine Importers (Top 193 Countries)

This analysis examines the wine import scenario across the top importing nations, highlighting key trends, volumes and market dynamics that characterized the global wine trade in 2023.

Based on the most recent data from the Food and Agriculture Organization, global wine imports reached 11.5 million tonnes in 2023. It represents a significant component of international agricultural trade.

Global Wine Import Overview

The international wine market witnessed noteworthy shifts in 2023 with total import value reaching approximately $41 billion worldwide. Though there was a slight decline of 2.2% compared to 2022 but wine remains a significant commodity in international trade. The data reveals several important global trends:

• Total global wine imports by volume reached 99 million hectoliters in 2023.
• The average export price per liter reached a record high of €3.62 in 2023.
• European countries collectively accounted for 51.9% of global wine imports by value.
• North American countries represented 23.3% of worldwide wine import value
• Asian markets contributed 18.7% to the global wine import value.
• The top five importing countries accounted for 46.6% of global wine imports by value.
• Wine consumption declined globally by 2.6% compared to 2022.
• Rising production costs and inflationary pressures contributed to higher wine prices for consumers.

Top 20 Wine Importing Countries in 2023

1. Germany (1,361,424 tonnes)

Germany maintained its position as the world’s largest wine importer by volume in 2023 that reflects the country’s robust demand for diverse wine varieties.

• Import Volume: 1,361,424 tonnes, equivalent to 13.6 million hectoliters.
• Import Value: Approximately $2.87 billion, representing 7.2% of global wine import value.
• Year-over-Year Change: Import volume remained relatively stable with a marginal decrease of 0.3% compared to 2022.
• Market Composition: Bulk wine imports increased by 5%, while other categories remained relatively stable.
• Per Capita Consumption: Germans consume approximately 24 liters of wine per person annually
• Key Suppliers: Italy, Spain, and France are the primary sources of German wine imports
• Import Trends: Germany has maintained consistent import volumes over the past decade that shows stable consumer demand
• Market Position: Accounts for 13.7% of global wine imports by volume, maintaining its position as the world’s leading importer.

2. United Kingdom (1,235,196 tonnes)

The United Kingdom owns its crucial role in market for global wine producers, maintaining its position as the second-largest importer by both volume and value.

• Import Volume: 1,235,196 tonnes, equivalent to 12.3 million hectoliters.
• Import Value: $5.04 billion, representing 12.6% of global wine imports by value.
• Year-over-Year Change: Experienced a significant decline of 5.1% in import volume compared to 2022.
• Market Characteristics: Post-Brexit regulations have influenced import patterns and pricing
• Import Sources: France, Italy, Spain, New Zealand and Australia are the primary sources of UK wine imports
• Consumer Trends: Growing preference for premium and sustainable wines
• Market Position: Second-largest importer globally in terms of volume & value.
• Economic Impact: Wine imports  owns a significant role in the UK’s food and beverage trade balance

3. United States (1,226,533 tonnes)

The United States experienced a notable decline in wine imports in 2023. Yet it remains one of the world’s largest wine import markets.

• Import Volume: 1,226,533 tonnes, equivalent to 12.3 million hectoliters.
• Import Value: $6.97 billion, representing 17.4% of global wine import value.
• Year-over-Year Change: A Significant decrease of 14.6% in import volume compared to 2022.
• Market Dynamics: Growing domestic production partially offsetting import demand
• Key Suppliers: Italy, France, New Zealand and Spain are the primary sources of US wine imports
• Consumer Preferences: Increasing interest in premium and organic wines
• Regulatory Environment: Complex three-tier distribution system impacts import patterns
• Market Significance: Despite a volume decrease, it remains the largest importer by value globally.

4. Netherlands (825,797 tonnes)

The Netherlands serves as both a significant consumer market and an important distribution hub for wine in Europe.

• Import Volume: 825,797 tonnes, equivalent to 4.4 million hectoliters.
• Import Value: Approximately $1.6 billion, representing 4.0% of global wine import value.
• Year-over-Year Change: A Slight increase of 0.5% in import volume compared to 2022.
• Re-export Activity: Functions as a major European distribution hub with significant re-exports
• Market Position: Fifth-largest importer by value, fourth by volume.
• Consumer Market: Growing preference for sustainable and organic wines
• Import Sources: France, Italy, Spain, and Germany are key suppliers
• Logistics Advantage: Rotterdam port serves as a crucial entry point for wine into European markets

5. Belgium (652,120 tonnes)

Despite economic challenges, Belgium maintained its position as a significant wine importing nation in 2023.

• Import Volume: 652,120 tonnes
• Import Value: Approximately $1.3 billion which is about 3.2% of global wine import value.
• Year-over-Year Change: Decreased by 9.8% compared to 2022.
• Market Characteristics: High per capita consumption relative to population size
• Consumer Preferences: Strong demand for French wines and champagne
• Distribution Channels: Well-developed specialty retail and hospitality sectors
• Import Sources: France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal are primary suppliers
• Market Maturity: Sophisticated wine culture with educated consumers

6. France (592,015 tonnes)

Despite being the world’s leading wine producer, France remains a significant importer of wines from other regions.

• Import Volume: 592,015 tonnes, equivalent to 6 million hectoliters.
• Import Value: $1.05 billion, representing 2.6% of global wine import value.
• Year-over-Year Change: Decreased by 4.6% compared to 2022.
• Market Dynamics: Imports primarily complement domestic production with varieties not produced locally
• Production Status: The World’s leading wine producer in 2023 with 48 million hectoliters, representing 20.2% of global production.
• Import Sources: Spain, Italy, and Portugal are key suppliers
• Consumer Trends: Growing interest in organic and biodynamic wines
• Market Complexity: Sophisticated market with highly segmented consumer preferences

7. Canada (375,097 tonnes)

Canada’s wine import market showed a significant decline in 2023 because of changing consumer preferences and economic factors.

• Import Volume: 375,097 tonnes, equivalent to 3.8 million hectoliters.
• Import Value: $1.99 billion, representing 5.0% of global wine import value.
• Year-over-Year Change: Substantial decrease of 10.2% compared to 2022.
• Market Structure: Provincial liquor boards maintain significant control over wine imports and distribution
• Consumer Preferences: Growing interest in premium and sustainable wines
• Import Sources: The United States, Italy, France and Australia are primary suppliers
• Domestic Production: The growing domestic wine industry impacts import patterns
• Market Challenges: Provincial regulations create market complexities for importers

8. Russia (340,742 tonnes)

Russia showed resilience in its wine import market despite geopolitical and economic challenges.

• Import Volume: 340,742 tonnes which is equivalent to 4 million hectoliters.
• Import Value: $878.7 million, representing 2.2% of global wine import value.
• Year-over-Year Change: Increased by 2% compared to 2022.
• Production Status: Domestic production reached 4.5 million hectoliters in 2023, 10% lower than 2022.
• Market Development: Government initiatives to improve wine quality and increase production
• Import Sources: Italy, Spain, France and Georgia are significant suppliers
• Consumer Trends: Growing interest in premium imported wines
• Regulatory Environment: Complex import regulations and certification requirements

9. China (309,091 tonnes)

China’s wine import market experienced a significant contraction in 2023 that continuing a downward trend.

• Import Volume: 309,091 tonnes equivalent to 2.5 million hectoliters.
• Import Value: $1.16 billion, representing 2.9% of global wine import value.
• Year-over-Year Change: Substantial decrease of 26.1% compared to 2022.
• Production Status: Domestic production estimated at 3.2 million hectoliters, a reduction of 33% from 2022.
• Market Transformation: Shift from quantity to quality in consumer preferences
• Import Sources: France, Australia, Chile and Italy are key suppliers
• Market Challenges: Changing consumer preferences and economic slowdowns
• Future Potential: Remains a significant market despite recent downfalls.

10. Portugal (283,175 tonnes)

As both a major producer and significant importer the position of Portugal shows its interesting role in the global wine market.

• Import Volume: 283,175 tonnes which is equivalent to 3 million hectoliters.
• Import Value: Approximate value, placing it among the top 15 importers globally
• Year-over-Year Change: Increased by 3.3% compared to 2022.
• Import Composition: 76% of imports are bulk wine.
• Production Status: Produced 7.5 million hectoliters in 2023, a 9.8% increase from 2022.
• Export Position: Ranked as the 9th largest wine exporter globally, with 3.2 million hectoliters.
• Market Characteristic: Primarily imports bulk wine for blending and bottling
• Domestic Consumption: A Strong tradition of wine consumption supports both domestic and imported wines

11. Japan (232,293 tonnes)

Japan remains a significant market for imported wines, particularly premium offerings from traditional wine-producing regions.

• Import Volume: 232,293 tonnes, equivalent to 2.3 million hectoliters.
• Import Value: $1.77 billion, representing 4.5% of global wine import value.
• Year-over-Year Change: Decreased by 12.5% compared to 2022.
• Consumer Preferences: Strong interest in premium European wines, especially from France
• Market Sophistication: Highly developed wine culture with educated consumers
• Import Sources: France, Italy, Chile and Spain are primary suppliers
• Market Challenges: Aging population and changing consumption patterns
• Distribution Structure: Complex distribution systems with multiple tiers

12. Sweden (210,786 tonnes)

Sweden’s controlled alcohol market creates unique conditions for wine imports compared to other European nations.

• Import Volume: 210,786 tonnes
• Import Value: $806.6 million, representing 2.0% of global wine import value.
• Market Control: State monopoly. Systembolaget controls retail sales
• Consumer Trends: Strong preference for sustainable and organic wines
• Import Sources: Italy, France, Spain, and South Africa are key suppliers
• Consumption Patterns: High per capita spending on wine despite moderate consumption volumes
• Market Growth: Gradual increase in wine consumption at the expense of spirits
• Distribution Channels: Limited retail channels due to monopoly control

13. Denmark (183,235 tonnes)

Denmark maintains a significant wine import market relative to its population size.

• Import Volume: 183,235 tonnes
• Import Value: $786.5 million, representing 2.0% of global wine import value.
• Per Capita Impact: High per capita wine imports for a country of its population
• Market Characteristics: Sophisticated consumer base with interest in premium and natural wines
• Import Sources: France, Italy, Spain, and Chile are primary suppliers
• Consumer Trends: Growing interest in biodynamic and low-intervention wines
• Market Maturity: Well-developed wine culture with educated consumers
• Taxation Impact: High alcohol taxes influence market dynamics and pricing

14. Czechia (171,565 tonnes)

In Central Europe, the Czech Republic has emerged as one of the pioneers in wine importer.

• Import Volume: 171,565 tonnes
• Market Growth: Steady increase in wine imports over the past decade
• Domestic Production: Local production primarily focused on white varieties
• Import Sources: Italy, Spain and neighboring countries are key suppliers
• Consumer Transition: Gradual shift from beer to wine consumption
• Market Development: Growing sophistication in consumer preferences
• Distribution Channels: Expanding retail and on-trade opportunities
• Price Sensitivity: Market remains relatively price-sensitive compared to Western Europe

15. Italy (171,296 tonnes)

Despite being the world’s second-largest wine producer, Italy maintains significant imports to complement its domestic offerings.

• Import Volume: 171,296 tonnes
• Production Status: 38.3 million hectoliters were produced in 2023, a 23.2% decrease from 2022.
• Export Position: Largest wine exporter by volume with 21.4 million hectoliters.
• Import Purpose: Primarily imports specific styles not produced domestically
• Market Dynamics: Imports often complement extensive domestic production
• Import Sources: France, Spain, and Portugal are key suppliers
• Consumer Base: Sophisticated domestic market with strong wine culture
• Market Segmentation: Clear distinction between domestic and imported wine markets

16. Switzerland (167,009 tonnes)

Switzerland maintains a robust wine import market driven by high purchasing power and limited domestic production.

• Import Volume: 167,009 tonnes
• Import Value: $1.37 billion, representing 3.4% of global wine import value.
• Production Status: Domestic production of 1.0 million hectoliters in 2023, stable compared to 2022.
• Market Characteristics: High-value market with preference for premium wines
• Consumer Spending: High per capita spending on imported wines
• Import Sources: France, Italy and Spain are primary suppliers
• Market Segmentation: Clear price segmentation with a strong premium sector
• Consumption Patterns: Consistent per capita consumption levels

17. Poland (149,534 tonnes)

Poland’s wine import market showed significant growth in 2023, reflecting changing consumer preferences.

• Import Volume: 149,534 tonnes, equivalent to 150 million liters.
• Import Value: $443 million, an 11% increase from the previous year.
• Year-over-Year Change: Volume decreased by 2.5% compared to 2022, the second consecutive year of decline.
• Long-term Trend: The average annual growth rate is 4.0% that shows notable growth over the last decade.
• Import Sources: Italy, Germany, and France are the leading suppliers.
• Market Dynamics: Shifting consumer preferences from traditional spirits to wine
• Value Growth: A Significant increase in value despite a volume decrease indicates premiumization
• Consumer Development: Growing wine culture and education among consumers

18. Brazil (145,060 tonnes)

Brazil represents one of the largest wine import markets in Latin America, despite having a growing domestic production.

• Import Volume: 145,060 tonnes
• Regional Position: Largest wine importer in Latin America with imports worth $467.12 million
• Production Growth: Domestic wine production increased to 3.6 million hectoliters in 2023, up 12.1% from 2022.
• Import Sources: Chile, Argentina, Portugal and Italy are key suppliers
• Market Challenges: Complex taxation system affecting imported wine prices
• Consumer Trends: The Growing middle class is driving increased wine consumption
• Market Development: Increasing sophistication in consumer preferences
• Distribution Expansion: Growing retail channels for imported wines

19. Latvia (112,670 tonnes)

Latvia has emerged as a significant wine importer in the Baltic region, with volumes disproportionate to its population size.

• Import Volume: 112,670 tonnes
• Regional Hub: Functions as a distribution center for neighboring countries
• Re-export Activity: A Significant portion of imports is re-exported to other markets
• Market Growth: Steady increase in import volumes over the past decade
• Import Sources: France, Italy, and Spain are primary suppliers
• Consumer Development: Growing wine culture among urban populations
• Distribution Structure: Consolidated retail sector with a few major players
• Pricing Dynamics: Competitive pricing environment with focus on value offerings

20. Ireland (106,926 tonnes)

Ireland has demonstrated strong growth in its wine import market, reflecting changing consumer preferences.

• Import Volume: 106,926 tonnes, equivalent to 88.6 million liters.
• Year-over-Year Change: Increased by 5.3% in volume and 7.9% in value compared to 2022.
• Import Value: €343.7 million in 2023.
• Price Trends: Average price increased by 2.4% to €3.88 per liter, the second highest in the 21st century.
• Historical Growth: Wine imports have grown at an annual rate of approximately 3.5% since 2000.
• Import Composition: Bottled wine constituted 96.3% of volume and 91.2% of total value in 2023.
• Sparkling Wine Trend: Sparkling wine imports declined by 17% in volume but only 3.6% in value.
• Market Development: A Consistent growth pattern indicates consumer preferences

Regional Wine Import Patterns

European Wine Imports

Europe remains the dominant region for wine imports globally, with a diverse range of markets:

• Total wine imports to Europe reached $20.8 billion in 2023, representing 51.9% of global wine import value.
• The largest European importer with imports worth $5.05 billion was the United Kingdom.
• Germany was the largest importer by volume with 13.6 million hectoliters.
• Western European markets generally show high per capita consumption and value
• Eastern European markets are experiencing faster growth rates from smaller bases
• European imports are characterized by significant intra-regional trade
• Compared to other regions, the European market still shows a higher preference for wines.
• Economic challenges and currency fluctuations impacted import patterns in 2023

North American Wine Imports

North America represents a significant wine import region dominated by the United States and Canada:

• North American wine imports totaled $9.33 billion in 2023, accounting for 23.3% of global import value.
• The United States remained the largest importer in the region with imports worth $6.99 billion.
• Canada was the second-largest regional importer with imports worth $1.99 billion.
• Both major markets experienced volume declines in 2023 compared to 2022
• Premiumization trends continue to drive value growth despite volume declines
• Changing consumer demographics influence import patterns and preferences
• Tariff policies and trade agreements significantly impact import flows
• Direct-to-consumer channels are increasingly important for imported wines

Asian Wine Imports

Asia continues to develop as an essential wine import region, despite recent challenges:

• Asian wine imports were valued at $7.47 billion in 2023, representing 18.7% of global wine import value.
• In Asia, Japan is the largest among all importers with imports worth $1.78 billion.
• China’s import market contracted significantly, with volumes dropping by 26.1%.
• Hong Kong serves as an important hub for the fine wine trade in the region
• Singapore has emerged as a significant importer and regional distribution center
• South Korean wine imports continued to grow, albeit from a smaller base
• Asian markets generally show a preference for red wines, especially from France
• Developing markets in Southeast Asia present growth opportunities

Factors Influencing Wine Imports in 2023

Several key factors influenced global wine import patterns in 2023:

• Supply Constraints: Global wine production fell to 237.3 million hectoliters which is a 10% decrease from 2022 and the lowest level since 1961.
• Economic Conditions: Inflationary pressures and reduced purchasing power affected consumer spending on imported wines
• Climate Impact: Extreme weather conditions and fungal diseases affected production in major wine regions.
• Changing Consumption Patterns: Global consumption declined by 2.6% compared to 2022.
• Pricing Trends: Average export prices reached a record high of €3.62 per liter.
• Premiumization: Continued trend toward higher-quality, higher-priced wines in developed markets
• Regulatory Changes: Developing trade policies and tariff structures  impacts the import flow
• Sustainability Focus: Growing consumer interest in sustainable and organic wine production methods

Here is the full list of wine imports by country:

Rank	Country	Wine Imports (in Tonnes)
1	Germany	1,361,424
2	United Kingdom	1,235,196
3	United States	1,226,533
4	Netherlands	825,797
5	Belgium	652,120
6	France	592,015
7	Canada	375,097
8	Russia	340,742
9	China	309,091
10	Portugal	283,175
12	Japan	232,293
13	Sweden	210,786
14	Denmark	183,235
15	Czechia	171,565
16	Italy	171,296
17	Switzerland	167,009
18	Poland	149,534
19	Brazil	145,060
20	Latvia	112,670
21	Ireland	106,926
22	Lithuania	99,672
23	Australia	98,814
24	Norway	92,186
25	Austria	86,566
26	Mexico	78,039
27	Côte d'Ivoire	77,261
28	Slovakia	72,014
29	Finland	70,411
30	Ukraine	61,654
31	United Arab Emirates	60,409
32	Romania	59,795
33	Belarus	56,310
34	Spain	54,911
35	South Korea	42,827
36	Luxembourg	41,474
37	New Zealand	40,420
38	Angola	35,958
39	Morocco	35,742
40	Singapore	32,043
41	Hong Kong SAR	31,197
42	Namibia	24,009
43	Croatia	23,578
44	Estonia	22,974
45	Colombia	22,267
46	Kazakhstan	21,733
47	Dominican Republic	21,202
48	Thailand	21,201
49	Serbia	21,010
50	Taiwan	19,441
51	Nigeria	17,846
52	Greece	17,140
53	Togo	15,078
54	Philippines	14,935
55	Türkiye	14,564
56	Bulgaria	13,721
57	Costa Rica	13,236
58	Israel	12,620
59	Peru	12,429
60	Guinea-Bissau	12,104
61	Paraguay	12,069
62	Viet Nam	11,889
63	Ghana	11,274
64	Macao SAR	10,471
65	Malaysia	10,047
66	Kenya	9,637
67	Slovenia	9,619
68	Burkina Faso	9,165
69	Bosnia and Herzegovina	8,426
70	Cameroon	8,294
71	Botswana	8,020
72	Ecuador	7,209
73	Cambodia	7,001
74	Hungary	6,989
75	Malta	6,806
76	Tanzania	6,747
77	India	6,741
78	Cyprus	6,644
79	Jamaica	6,361
80	Cabo Verde	6,161
81	Guatemala	6,046
82	Senegal	5,757
83	Gabon	5,740
84	Iceland	5,510
85	Indonesia	5,275
86	Equatorial Guinea	5,111
87	Panama	4,771
88	Mozambique	4,698
89	Montenegro	4,690
90	Venezuela	4,636
91	Albania	4,517
92	Democratic Republic of the Congo	4,093
93	Haiti	3,991
94	Madagascar	3,894
95	Uruguay	3,790
96	Cuba	3,729
97	Bahamas	3,637
98	Congo	3,599
99	Lesotho	3,541
100	Moldova	3,389
101	South Africa	3,304
102	Myanmar	3,268
103	El Salvador	3,215
104	Zimbabwe	3,194
105	Zambia	3,172
106	Benin	3,076
107	Uganda	3,030
108	Mauritius	2,913
109	Barbados	2,838
110	New Caledonia	2,804
111	Sao Tome and Principe	2,759
112	Maldives	2,501
113	Sri Lanka	2,201
114	Seychelles	2,151
115	Mongolia	2,110
116	Chile	2,089
117	Mali	2,085
118	Eswatini	2,042
120	French Polynesia	2,017
121	Bahrain	2,008
122	Fiji	1,703
123	Guinea	1,661
124	Armenia	1,611
125	Nicaragua	1,547
126	Rwanda	1,526
127	Antigua and Barbuda	1,432
128	Liberia	1,347
129	Trinidad and Tobago	1,188
130	Kyrgyzstan	1,180
131	Honduras	1,142
132	Argentina	1,071
133	Oman	1,064
134	North Macedonia	1,037
135	Azerbaijan	922
136	Sierra Leone	849
137	Qatar	838
138	Saint Lucia	793
139	Lebanon	757
140	Nepal	749
141	Vanuatu	741
142	Grenada	700
143	Democratic People's Republic of Korea	671
144	Algeria	652
145	Lao People's Democratic Republic	639
146	Papua New Guinea	631
147	Georgia	630
148	Suriname	572
149	Faroe Islands	456
150	Jordan	399
151	Guyana	395
152	Uzbekistan	386
153	Iraq	362
154	Bolivia (Plurinational State of)	359
155	Burundi	332
156	Bangladesh	322
157	Timor-Leste	322
158	Central African Republic	312
159	Belize	300
160	Dominica	290
161	Turkmenistan	276
162	Ethiopia	239
163	Niger	223
164	Gambia	221
165	Chad	183
166	Cook Islands	181
167	Sudan	167
168	Samoa	167
169	Tajikistan	157
170	Tonga	156
171	Saint Kitts and Nevis	154
172	South Sudan	152
173	Djibouti	131
174	Comoros	127
175	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	126
176	Solomon Islands	119
177	Tunisia	88
178	Bhutan	76
179	Malawi	73
180	Libya	32
181	Kiribati	32
182	Pakistan	20
183	Syrian Arab Republic	19
184	Eritrea	13
185	Niue	8
186	Afghanistan	8
187	Egypt	8
188	Brunei Darussalam	7
189	Somalia	6
190	Iran (Islamic Republic of)	5
191	Mauritania	5
192	Nauru	4
193	Tuvalu	1

Conclusion

In 2023, global wine import displays a market in transition which is facing challenges from reduced production, economic pressures and changing consumer preferences. While overall volumes declined, the resilience of certain markets and the continued premiumization trend indicate the enduring appeal of wine as a globally traded commodity.

Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States remain the cornerstones of global wine imports, collectively accounting for 40% of volume and 37% of value. However, the significant volume declines in the US and UK markets suggest changing dynamics that may reshape the global wine trade in the coming years.

European markets continue to dominate global wine imports. Growth opportunities in Asia, Latin America, and emerging markets may drive future expansion. As the industry navigates production challenges and evolving consumer preferences, the international wine trade remains vital to global agricultural commerce.

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