EU spirits exports fell by 6% to €8.26 billion in 2025, primarily impacted by pressures in the US and Chinese markets.

Data from the trade association SpiritsEurope shows that exports to the US dropped by 9% to €2.5 billion, due to the Trump administration's 10% to 15% tariffs on EU products. Exports to China decreased by 15% to €608 million, as China imposed tariffs on products such as brandy and cognac. Additionally, exports to the UK declined by 4% to €858 million.

Pauline Bastidon, Director of Competitiveness and Trade at SpiritsEurope, stated that geopolitical tensions, economic headwinds, and global trade disruptions have had a tangible impact on the sector.

In emerging markets, exports to India grew by 10% to €91 million, and exports to South Africa increased by 30% to €272 million. A free trade agreement between the EU and India, which includes reduced Indian tariffs on EU spirits, is expected to take effect next year.