Argentina's wine exports to the US increased by nearly 30% last year, making it the only country to boast improved sales in 2008.
According to figures released by the US Department of Commerce, Argentinian wine exports grew 29% in value and 13% in volume on 2007.
In contrast, Australian exports to the US dropped by about 9% over the same period.
Total wine imports by the US stagnated in 2008.
James Forbes, UK Director of Wines of Argentina, said there was a similar pattern in the UK, which has seen 20 months of consecutive growth. He said Argentinian wines were gaining popularity in the premium on-trade and specialist wine sectors.
The Argentinian wine market is predominantly domestic, with only 17% of wine produced being exported.
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http://www.manfatta.com/wineblog/2009/01/us-wine-imports-2008-spain-maintains.html
Carrie Jorgensen, Cortes de Cima, Vidigueira, Portugal
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![](http://www.decanter.com/images/newsletter/button.gif>"I became curious to know the real truth, after reading your article. ViniPortugal have recently claimed an increase in exports in both quantity and value of Portuguese wines in 2008 to many markets, including the USA, so how come Argentina is claiming to be the only one?
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Your article seems to have misinterpreted another article which I have linked below, and states that Argentina is the only country to have the value of trade grow, specifically an increase in the ratio of value/volume, a sign that US drinkers are moving upmarket with Argentinian wines. Their figures are also based on year-on-year data to October 2008.
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http://www.manfatta.com/wineblog/2009/01/us-wine-imports-2008-spain-maintains.html
