Thousands of winemakers and buyers packed the halls of the Wine Paris trade fair this week, as the sector grapples with falling exports, US tariffs and climate uncertainty – even as some producers say strong demand for quality wines and new customers abroad offer reasons for optimism.
Issued on: 12/02/2026 - RFI
Wine producers and buyers meet at Wine Paris, held February 9–11, 2026, as the French wine industry confronts falling exports and US trade tariffs. AFP - PIERRE ANDRIEU01:28
By: Alara Koknar
More than 52,000 visitors attended the event this year, with over 20,000 business meetings organised between producers and buyers.
French wine and spirit exports fell by almost 8 percent in 2025, according to the latest data from the French Federation of Wine and Spirits Exporters.
Shipments to the United States were down 20 percent last year. American tariffs, currently set at 15 percent on European wine and spirits, have added strain to an industry that supports some 600,000 jobs in France.
French President Emmanuel Macron at the opening day of the 2026 edition of the Wine Paris trade show on Monday, February 9. AP - YOAN VALAT
Exports under strain
“After Covid, a lot of US importers over-purchased and now their stocks are full so they are buying less from France,” Nathan Terrigeol, who runs the Bordeaux winery Vignobles Terrigeol with his brother Quentin, told RFI.
“That phenomenon, combined with Trump’s tariffs, has seriously impacted our exports.”
Some producers say the Trump administration's tariffs have not had as dramatic an impact on their sales as they feared.
How drinking culture, linked to French identity, can be a ’tool of exclusion'
Pierre Dietrich, founder of Pépin Wine, an organic winery whose bottles retail in the US for between $27 and $40, said his business has held up well.
“2025 was a good year for us, both in terms of the quality of the wine produced and our sales despite climate conditions not being ideal,” he said. “Our US sales are growing, despite tariffs. Yes we had to increase our prices due to tariffs but we didn’t lose many clients.”
Dietrich also pointed to trade diversification. While he sees opportunity in the Mercosur free-trade deal between the European Union and South American countries, he remains “worried for the rest of the French agricultural sector” facing what he considers unfair competition.
Exports under strain
“After Covid, a lot of US importers over-purchased and now their stocks are full so they are buying less from France,” Nathan Terrigeol, who runs the Bordeaux winery Vignobles Terrigeol with his brother Quentin, told RFI.
“That phenomenon, combined with Trump’s tariffs, has seriously impacted our exports.”
Some producers say the Trump administration's tariffs have not had as dramatic an impact on their sales as they feared.
How drinking culture, linked to French identity, can be a ’tool of exclusion'
Pierre Dietrich, founder of Pépin Wine, an organic winery whose bottles retail in the US for between $27 and $40, said his business has held up well.
“2025 was a good year for us, both in terms of the quality of the wine produced and our sales despite climate conditions not being ideal,” he said. “Our US sales are growing, despite tariffs. Yes we had to increase our prices due to tariffs but we didn’t lose many clients.”
Dietrich also pointed to trade diversification. While he sees opportunity in the Mercosur free-trade deal between the European Union and South American countries, he remains “worried for the rest of the French agricultural sector” facing what he considers unfair competition.
French winemakers are seeking new markets to offset declining US demand. AFP - MEHDI FEDOUACH
Climate disruption
Climate volatility remains another concern for French wine-growers. The sector has endured wildfires and hailstorms in recent years.
“We were lucky compared to other neighbouring producers,” said Terrigeol, explaining that his vineyards were spared last year from a nearby fire.
Beyond traditional markets, new opportunities are emerging.
Stuart Mugabe, a Ugandan wine importer who has attended the convention for the past three years, said demand for premium French wines remains strong in Uganda. He is also seeking organic and alcohol-free wines, noting there is “an empty space” for suppliers.
As consumption declines at home, French wine producers are seeking new markets, such as China and India, and are relying on the quality of their products to remain competitive.
Climate disruption
Climate volatility remains another concern for French wine-growers. The sector has endured wildfires and hailstorms in recent years.
“We were lucky compared to other neighbouring producers,” said Terrigeol, explaining that his vineyards were spared last year from a nearby fire.
Beyond traditional markets, new opportunities are emerging.
Stuart Mugabe, a Ugandan wine importer who has attended the convention for the past three years, said demand for premium French wines remains strong in Uganda. He is also seeking organic and alcohol-free wines, noting there is “an empty space” for suppliers.
As consumption declines at home, French wine producers are seeking new markets, such as China and India, and are relying on the quality of their products to remain competitive.
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