French wine exports plunge by a fifth

French wine exports plunged by almost a fifth in 2009, reverting back to the same level as a decade ago, business association Ubifrance said on Wednesday.

Exports fell to 5.5 billion euros ($A8.31 billion) while their volume dropped 8.7 per cent to 12.5 million hectolitres, the body said. Exports of spirits were down by 12 per cent to 2.3 billion euros ($A3.51 billion).

The French wine industry had "its worst year for a long time and is back to levels comparable with 10 years ago," the association said in a statement.

All markets declined except China, it said, particularly Britain, France's biggest wine export market.