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EU Wine and Spirits Face Tariff Uncertainty After U.S.-EU Trade Deal

Industry groups are pushing for zero-for-zero carve-outs after negotiators agreed a 15% baseline duty on EU imports to the United States.

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Bottles of Cognac are diplayed at the National Interprofessional Office of Cognac (BNIC), in Cognac, France, April 3, 2025. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe/ File Photo
Bottles of Italian wines are stored in a fridge inside the wine shop Kabb in Rome, Italy, March 14, 2025. REUTERS/Remo Casilli/File Photo
A visitor enjoys the Bordeaux wine festival -- but US tariffs will hit hard a sector already under pressure

Overview

  • A preliminary trade deal between the U.S. and EU establishes a 15% baseline tariff on most EU goods entering the United States while alcohol carve-outs remain to be negotiated.
  • EU and U.S. industry heads such as Chris Swonger and Ursula von der Leyen have expressed optimism that wine and spirits will secure mutual zero-tariff treatment.
  • Bordeaux exporters report a 50% drop in turnover this year and cognac maker Remy Cointreau warns of €45 million in tariff-related losses.
  • The Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins cautions that any final tariffs could force price increases or drive some EU producers out of the U.S. market.
  • To counter uncertainty, some wine merchants are stockpiling inventory and flying the most expensive bottles by air to preserve U.S. sales.