Australian wine exports drop to 22-year low

Australian wine exports have plummeted to their lowest level in over 22 years, with volumes dropping 6% to 598 million litres in the year to June 2026. The decline reflects a global slowdown in wine consumption, now at its lowest point since 1961, driven by changing consumer habits, cost pressures and competition from alternative drinks. Australia's top three markets, China, the UK and the US, all saw reduced demand, with China's drop particularly notable as the initial boost from lifted tariffs fades and the market settles into more mature consumption patterns.