German wine exports remain stable despite global market pressure

German wine exports remained stable in volume during the first half of 2026, totaling 600,000 hectoliters, according to the German Wine Institute (DWI). While export volumes held steady, total revenue saw a 3% decline to approximately 186 million euros.

Melanie Broyé-Engelkes, managing director of the DWI, noted that maintaining volume is a success given the global trend of declining wine consumption. The stability is attributed to rising demand for light, fresh, and fruity white wines, particularly in Scandinavia. Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark collectively accounted for one-quarter of German wine exports during this period.

In contrast, exports to the United States faced challenges, with volume and revenue both dropping by 11% due to tariffs and difficult market conditions. Despite this decline, the U.S. remained the largest single export market with a value of 24 million euros, followed by Norway and the Netherlands. To offset losses in traditional markets, German exporters are looking toward Brazil and India, leveraging new EU trade agreements.