What Drove China’s Alcohol Imports in H1 2026?

29th July, 2026 Shanghai

Report period: January–June 2026
Source: China Customs data compiled in the referenced report

China imported US$1.875 billion in alcoholic beverages during the first half of 2026, up 8.4% year on year. Brandy, sparkling wine and non-alcoholic beer recorded particularly strong value growth.

China’s imported alcoholic beverage market grew during the first half of 2026, but the headline figure does not tell the whole story. Total import value increased 8.4%, while volume rose only 0.8%. The average declared import value increased 7.7%, showing that growth came mainly from higher unit values and changes in the product mix.

Brandy Leads the Spirits Market

Brandy was the strongest-performing major category. Imports reached US$383.35 million, increasing 83.9% year on year. Volume rose 44.8%, while the average declared import value increased 27% to approximately US$32.20 per litre.

France supplied 99.23% of brandy imports by value, representing US$380.39 million. This confirms that China’s imported brandy market remains almost entirely dependent on French supply.

Whisky imports also grew, reaching US$242.01 million, up 15.8%. However, volume fell 9.2%, while average import value increased 27.4%. The United Kingdom accounted for 87.79% of whisky import value, confirming its dominant position.

Sparkling Wine Outperforms Still Wine

China’s total wine imports remained broadly stable at US$716.35 million, up only 0.9%. Volume declined 11%, while the average declared import value rose 13.3%.

Sparkling wine performed considerably better. Imports reached US$39.09 million, increasing 20.9% in value and 16.3% in volume.

France remained the largest sparkling-wine supplier, with 58.87% of import value. Italy held 30.76% and recorded 56.8% value growth, making it the category’s strongest major growth market.

Beer Grows, Including Non-Alcoholic Beer

Beer imports reached US$290.96 million, up 21.9%, while volume increased 9.7%.

Non-alcoholic beer remained a small segment, at US$3.31 million, but grew 43.5% in value and 34.2% in volume. This makes it commercially interesting, although its current scale remains limited.

Takeaway

China’s imported alcohol market grew in H1 2026, but performance varied sharply by category. Brandy led the increase, sparkling wine outperformed the wider wine market, and non-alcoholic beer expanded from a small base.

For exporters, the practical lesson is to look beyond overall market growth. Category, origin, unit value and product positioning now matter more than volume alone.

Exploring China’s beverage market? Read our analysis of imported wine market trends and entry opportunities.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on China Customs data presented in the referenced H1 2026 report and is intended for general information only. Customs figures may be revised. Import value per litre is not the same as wholesale or retail price.