NEWS
CHINA’S WINE & SPIRIT IMPORTS GREW 14.29% IN VALUE FROM JAN TO SEPT
By Staff Reporter
13-11-2026
Source: RT-Mart
China’s combined imports of wine and spirits climbed 14.29 percent by value to USD 3.121 billion in the January to September period this year, while shipment volume grew a more modest 8.27 percent year-on-year.
According to figures compiled by the China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products, average import prices lifted 5.57 percent over the same period, signalling a clear shift toward higher-value products rather than bulk and low-priced stock.
Imported still table wine fell in volume terms, even as its overall import value edged higher, meaning buyers are trading up to premium labels from established European and New World regions.
Spirits showed the most striking structural split. Whisky import volumes contracted, yet average prices continued to firm, driven by collector-grade limited releases, aged Japanese single malts and small-batch craft expressions favoured by on-trade venues and private buyers.
Brandy, meanwhile, delivered strong value expansion, fuelled by restocking after a period of inventory adjustment and renewed confidence among premium Cognac houses targeting gifting and hospitality channels.
Low-and-no lines remain the fastest-growing category. Retailers and importers are expanding shelf space for ready-to-drink alternatives, non-alcoholic wine and distilled-style zero-proof spirits, with demand concentrated among younger urban consumers and health-focused hospitality operators.
Trade insiders note Hong Kong continues to function as a critical re-export hub for global wine and spirit brands testing mainland distribution, while baijiu exporters are also using the city-state to market lighter, cocktail-friendly expressions to Southeast Asian audiences.
Looking ahead, market watchers expect year-end gifting season and the upcoming CIIE to support premium imports, though they warn the overall market will stay selective: mass-market bulk wine will remain under pressure, and only well-positioned premium and niche spirit labels are likely to capture further gains.
(the writer can be contacted at: info@thewinechronicle.com)
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