Instability of wine trade

In most countries wine is produced mainly for the domestic market. World trade in wine only represents 10% of production. The North African countries constitute an exception since their production is mainly for export. However, with the independence of these countries and the establishment of the European Economic Community, their access to European markets has been restricted. The international barriers to trade in wine hinder expansion in trade by the North African developing countries which are confronted with the possibility of surpluses.