9.3 billion euros for wines, which represents a 4.4% growth and 139 million cases exported.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nBurgandy wines took the number one slot in terms of volume (+ 8.1%) as well as turnover (+ 10%). Bordeaux wines shrunk 4.4% in total volume, but the turnover remained the same when compared to 2018.<\/p>\n
As for spirits, cognac was the biggest winner, seeing an increase in the volume of bottles sold at 6.6% for a total value of 3.4 billion euros (+ 11.5%).<\/p>\n
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What should we know about the sales of French wines in the United States?<\/h3>\n
On the American market, French viticulture products have, once more, been a complete success in 2019.<\/p>\n
In terms of turnover, the USA is the largest importer of French wines: last year, they purchase 1 of every 5 bottles exported in the world (compared to 1 of every 8 in the United Kingdom). The revenue of exported French wines and spirits has grown by 16%, i.e. a turnover of 3.7 billion euros, and in increase in sales of 5.5%.<\/p>\n
For example, in regards to spirits, Americans purchased nearly half of all French cognac, in volume and value.<\/p>\n
Regardless of the state (Massachusetts, Washington, etc.) or the city (New York, Seattle, etc.), Americans seek out viticulture products from Europe, but above all, from France. Most imported wined are French. They\u2019ve completely conquered the American market.<\/p>\n
But, these positive results hide a darker reality: they were boosted in anticipation of an increase in American customs fees on the importation<\/b> of certain European products, including French wines and spirits.<\/p>\nBehind these positive results, hides a darker reality:<\/b><\/p>\n
The sales of these French wines were boosted in anticipation of an increase in American customs fees on the importation<\/b> of certain European products, including French wines and spirits.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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American customs surtaxes: a future limitation for the exportation of French wines?<\/h2>\n
The American response to subsidies illegally paid to Airbus by Europeans states was to impose a 25% customs duty on imported agricultural and industrial products coming from the European Union<\/b>. The total amount of these subsidies came to 7.5 billion euros. The WTO condemned the practice, judging it to be unfair competition for the American competitor, Boeing, and authorised Donald Trump\u2019s government to add a surtax to various European products. The objective is to recuperate the 7.5 billion dollars.<\/p>\nLosses already on the books<\/h3>\n
This new turn of affairs has already shown major consequences of the export of French wines to the US.<\/p>\n
\n- Entering into law on 18 October 2019, the increase in American taxes led to a drop of 17.5% in the export of French non-sparkling bottled wines in the last quarter of 2019. That comes to a loss of 40 million euros of revenue<\/b>.<\/li>\n
- In November 2019, the exportation of French wines to the United States dropped 44%<\/b> over the numbers in October. This number should be taken with a grain of salt, as it may reflect the desire of importers to stock-up ahead of the implementation of the tax.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Which wines are subject to the American surtaxes?<\/h3>\n
Customs surtaxes in the United States only concern the following European viticulture products:<\/p>\n