Overview

• The tariff is now in force with the White House saying no special treatment for EU alcohol was agreed, while the EU trade chief says future exemptions remain possible.
• U.S. retailers report importers and distributors raised price lists by roughly 10–15% since June, with more increases expected as inventories bought ahead of the tariff run down.
• Importers cite currency pressures, saying the euro’s gains versus the dollar have produced cost swings near 20% on top of the new duty.
• A small U.S. importer-distributor says it has paid over $100,000 in tariffs this year, curbing hiring and squeezing capital as tariffs on bottles and barrels raise input costs.
• European producers warn of weaker U.S. demand, with Bordeaux expecting a modest export dip, a Cognac supplier reporting a 25% order cut, France’s exporters estimating up to €1 billion in revenue risk, and one champagne label forecasting about a $20 price jump per bottle for U.S. buyers.