Bordeaux faces dramatic drop in exports. China comes to the rescue?

Exports of Bordeaux wine fell with 14% in 2009 counted in volume (1.54 M hl or 206 M bottles in total) or with 23% counted in value. Europe accounts for 56% of all exports and this is where the drop is biggest. -19% and -25%. The three biggest markets fell substantially: Germany (-14/-18%), Belgium (-14/-16%) and Great Britain (-25/-33%). Also on most markets outside of Europe Bordeaux lost ground: USA was -27/-44% (!) and Japan -18/-28%. What somewhat softened the dramatic blow to Bordeaux wines was China that seems to have come to the rescue and has sailed up to become the biggest export market outside of Europe. Exports to China increased 97% in volume and 40% in value! Most other major markets fell also, except Hong Kong (+24/46%).