Austrian wine exports decline in 2024 amid global economic challenges 

AUSTRIA – Austrian wine exports fell in both value and volume in 2024 as the industry grappled with economic uncertainty and changing consumer preferences, according to the Austrian Wine Marketing Board. 

Citing data from Statistics Austria, the board reported a 6% drop in export value to €233.3 million (US$252.4 million), while volumes declined by 1.7% to 64.2 million liters.  

This marks the first decline in Austrian wine exports in eight years, following a steady 62.7% increase since 2015. 

Chris Yorke, CEO of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board, attributed the decline to multiple factors affecting global wine markets, including rising costs, reduced consumer spending, and evolving drinking habits.  

“All wine-producing countries are facing major challenges at the moment,” he said. “The economic situation worldwide is extremely volatile, making it difficult to develop long-term sales strategies.” 

Bottled wine exports were particularly affected, with volume falling by 5.1% and value declining by 6.3%. Red wines suffered the most significant losses, recording a 12.5% drop in volume and a 14.4% decrease in value. 

Conversely, bulk wine exports rose by 16.1% in volume, but lower pricing led to a 1.4% decline in total bulk wine export value. 

Germany remained Austria’s top export destination, accounting for 60.2% of total shipments and 42.3% of revenue.  

However, exports to Germany fell by 13.6% in value to €98.8 million, while volume decreased by 4.4%. Despite the decline, revenues from Germany remained above 2022 levels. 

Switzerland, previously the second-largest market for Austrian wine, experienced significant losses, with export volume dropping by 33.1% and value declining by 18.2%. A broader decline in Swiss wine imports, particularly red wines, contributed to this downturn. 

The United States overtook Switzerland as Austria’s second-largest export market, accounting for 8.5% of total revenues. Exports to the US grew by 6.5% in volume and 6.2% in value. 

Other markets showed positive trends, with exports to Canada increasing by 15.1% in volume and 12.1% in value. Shipments to the Nordic monopoly markets—Norway, Sweden, and Finland—rose by 1.9% in both volume and value. 

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