Spanish Wine Exports to UK Hit by Alcohol-Based Tariffs
Spanish wine exports to the UK have declined due to new tariffs tied to alcohol content, affecting mainly red wines with higher alcohol percentages. This regulation has led to a shift in importer preferences towards lighter wines, yet consumer resistance remains, hampering market competitiveness.
Spanish winemakers are facing challenges as wine exports to the UK, their main market, decrease due to new alcohol-based tariffs. The UK regulation, introduced in February, imposes higher tariffs on wines with an alcohol content exceeding 12.5%, significantly impacting Spanish red wines.
Jose Luis Benitez, director of the Spanish Wine Federation, highlighted that Spanish vintages are more vulnerable due to their higher alcohol content, a result of warmer climate conditions. The tariff changes have made Spanish wines less competitive compared to their French and Italian counterparts, with exports falling 7.5% in value in early 2025.
Efforts to mitigate cost include a shift towards lighter wines; however, these face consumer resistance. Richi Arambarri, CEO of Vintae winery, noted that while imports seek lighter options, consumers still prefer the fuller-bodied Spanish wines. As a response to declining UK sales, exports to the U.S. have increased.
(With inputs from agencies.)
Google News