Definition: World exports

According to statistics compiled in the third quarter of 2004, France, which has always been the world's leading wine exporter, now accounts for only 20% of global exports, while New World countries (Argentina, Chile, the United States, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand now account for 23% of global exports, compared with 1% 25 years ago! We have known for several years that we are heading for disaster, say the experts, based on the observation that domestic consumption has fallen by 21% over the last 20 years (43 million hectolitres in 1980 compared to 34 million in 2003). Another expert states: "We mustn't kid ourselves, consumption in France will not pick up again. Our only salvation is exports."