China's EU Bottled Wine Imports Fall 16.6% in H1 as Value Drops to $251 Million
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 23
China's EU Bottled Wine Imports Fall 16.6% in H1 as Value Drops to $251 Million
1 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 23
Summary
Chinese customs data showed EU bottled wine imports into China fell 16.6% by volume in the first half of 2026, while import value dropped 7.9% to $251 million.
High inventories are weighing on new orders as Chinese consumers trade down, weaker income growth curbs spending, and demand for imported wine continues to soften.
Prices have come under pressure, with some high-end French wines now selling for less in China than in France, according to merchant Arsen Zhao.
The slump is also being driven by shifting drinking habits and Beijing's tighter scrutiny of lavish banquets and official entertaining, dimming what was once a key growth market for European producers.