The South African Wine Industry At A Crossroads
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Guest – Jeremy Sampson, Chairman of Brand Finance Africa.
The announcement of a 30% US tariff on South African exports, effective 1 August 2025, has sent shockwaves through the local wine industry. Valued at over R650 million annually, the US wine export market, while not the largest by volume, holds significant strategic value in South Africa’s diversified export portfolio.
This escalation in trade tensions arrives at a precarious time for the global wine industry, which is already contending with declining consumption, inflationary pressures, and rapidly evolving consumer preferences.
The announcement of a 30% US tariff on South African exports, effective 1 August 2025, has sent shockwaves through the local wine industry. Valued at over R650 million annually, the US wine export market, while not the largest by volume, holds significant strategic value in South Africa’s diversified export portfolio.
This escalation in trade tensions arrives at a precarious time for the global wine industry, which is already contending with declining consumption, inflationary pressures, and rapidly evolving consumer preferences.