(Decanter) - Exports of US wine overcame a strong dollar to enjoy a record year in 2015, with value up 7.6% to US$1.61bn, show figures from the Wine Institute.

US wine exports hit 461m litres in volume last year, with about 90% of the totals accounted for by wines from California, said the state’s Wine Institute.

The 28 states of the European Union led the way with imports totalling $622m, ahead of Canada on $461m, Hong Kong ($97m), Japan ($96m) and China ($56m).

Exports of US and California wine to the UK increased by 28% in value versus 2014. However, some in the UK wine trade believe

Linsey Gallagher, the Wine Institute’s vice president international marketing, said more than 170 California wineries were now exporting to 138 countries.

She added: ‘California wine exports have increased 91% by value in the last decade and we’re seeing a “premiumisation” trend, with dollar sales outpacing volume growth.

‘This growth is occurring despite heavily-subsidised foreign competitors, high tariffs and strong dollar.’

Tom LaFaille, international trade counsel at the Wine Institute, said efforts were continuing to tackle discriminatory trade barriers around the world.

‘Unfortunately, more and more countries and provinces are “modernising” their laws to benefit only local wine producers,’ he said.