Greek wine exports to the US fall 6% in value in the first eight months of 2026
The value of Greek wine exports to the United States declined by 6% year on year between January and August 2026, while volume fell by 1%, according to provisional Eurostat figures cited by the Greek Embassy’s trade office in Washington.
Greek exports prove comparatively resilient
The Xanthi Chamber of Commerce published an update on November 5 citing a briefing by the Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Greek Embassy in Washington. Provisional Eurostat data showed that the value of Greek wine exports to the United States decreased by 6% in January–August 2026 compared with the same eight months of 2025, while their volume declined by 1%.1
Greece performed better than the European Union as a whole, although the periods covered by the two sets of figures differ. During the first year of the US tariff regime, from April 2025 through March 2026, EU wine exports to the United States fell by 21.1% in value and 9% in volume.1
Tariffs and declining consumption weigh on trade
The embassy briefing identified the 15% US import tariff as a principal cause of the downturn and also cited a broader decline in alcoholic-beverage consumption. The United States remains one of the most important overseas destinations for many European wine exporters, making the deterioration particularly significant for producers dependent on the market.1
The report said the effect of the tariff was compounded by falling wine consumption, exchange-rate fluctuations and the weaker presence of European products in US distribution networks and on retail shelves. European producers have consequently faced substantial pressure on prices and profit margins.1
Pressure extends through the supply chain
The difficult conditions affect wineries as well as importers, distributors and retailers associated with European labels. Lower export values and tighter pricing conditions can reduce revenue and margins, while diminished access to distribution and retail space can make it more difficult for brands to maintain their position in the strategically important US market.1
The figures show that Greek producers have so far been more resilient than the broader EU market but have not escaped the slowdown. The combination of a 6% reduction in value and a 1% decline in volume indicates that export receipts weakened considerably more than shipments, which the report interpreted as a possible sign of softer pricing conditions.1
European wine companies seek tariff relief
The Xanthi Chamber of Commerce said the European Committee of Wine Companies, or CEEV, is seeking a return to the previous tariff framework and argues that wine should be exempted from the additional charges. The embassy briefing contains more detailed statistics and assessments of Greek and European wine exports to the United States.1
Sources
Written by the Dionysus editors from the sources above.
