2012 U.S. Wine Exports, 90 Percent From California Reach Record High Of $1.4 Billion

(PRNewswire) - Setting a new record, U.S. wine exports, 90% from California, reached $1.43 billion in winery revenues in 2012, up 2.6% compared to the previous year, a gain for the third consecutive year. Volume shipments reached 424.6 million liters or 112.2 million cases. "California wine exports continue to increase because of our quality, diversity and value, despite a highly competitive global market, significant trade barriers and a still recovering economy," said Wine Institute President and CEO Robert P. (Bobby) Koch . "We've worked to create more opportunities to export our wines by supporting our government in opening markets with Free Trade Agreements and other negotiations." Of the top markets for California Wines, the European Union's 27-member countries are the largest accounting for $485 million, up 1.7%; followed by Canada, $434 million, up 14%; Hong Kong, $115 million, down 30%; Japan, $111 million, up 6%; China, $74 million, up 18%; Vietnam, $27 million, up 22%; Mexico, $20 million, up 4%; South Korea, $16 million, up 26%

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