/Reuters Agency
Chilean wine exports to its main market, Brazil, are booming, helping to offset a drop in sales to the United States, partly attributed to the imposition of tariffs, according to shipping data and industry experts.
Based on information from Wines of Chile, a wine producers association, they show that purchases from the United States – Chile’s second largest market by volume – have decreased by 13% from January to July 2025, following the imposition of tariffs by the government of President Donald Trump.
“We went from zero tariffs to 10%,” said Angélica Valenzuela, commercial director of Wines of Chile. “Whenever there is a tariff, or some obstacle, some kind of freeze or slowdown occurs,” she added.
Valenzuela explained that, initially, wine producers and importers absorbed the cost of the tariffs, but “as it is something that has lasted longer, the cost began to be passed on to the consumer,” she emphasized.
“What we see now is a less dynamic and declining US market,” she added.
Chilean wine exports to China have fallen by nearly 23% in the same period, although Valenzuela attributed that decline to lower demand for wine, which has affected most countries selling to the Chinese market.
In contrast, Brazil is booming, consolidating its position as the main destination for Chilean wine exports, with an increase of nearly 10% in shipments during the period.
Chile accounts for almost half of the wine import market in Brazil, said Valenzuela, who also highlighted that there is “enormous potential for expansion.”
The number of regular wine consumers in Brazil is growing, especially among women and people with higher purchasing power, she added.
Valenzuela indicated that Chile’s marketing strategy will now focus on strengthening the country’s image as a source of premium and sustainable wines.
Overall, Chilean wine exports have remained stable in 2025. Canada, Japan, Ireland, and South Korea recorded growth, while Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom showed a decline.
