The United States will implement a 15% tariff on imports of European Union wine and spirits beginning Friday, August 1, according to the European Commission. This development comes despite lobbying efforts from France and Italy, the bloc’s largest exporters of alcohol, for an exemption.
Limited Exemptions Secured
While the European Commission confirmed that it had successfully negotiated exemptions for certain sectors — including aircraft, aircraft parts, and cork — wine and spirits will not be included in the initial round of tariff exclusions.
“It is not our expectation that wine and spirits will be included in the first group of exemptions announced by the U.S. tomorrow. Therefore, those products will be captured by the 15% ceiling,” stated Olof Gill, EU trade spokesperson. Negotiations between Brussels and Washington are ongoing, he added.
The confirmation comes as EU officials and other U.S. trading partners rush to finalize trade arrangements ahead of President Donald Trump’s tariff enforcement deadline.
Broader Tariff Framework
The 15% tariff on most EU exports to the U.S. was agreed upon in a broader trade deal finalized last weekend. However, certain categories, such as steel and other metals, will face higher tariffs — up to 50% — until the two sides agree on tariff rate quotas.
The wine and spirits sector, however, has not secured temporary relief. Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, secretary-general of the European wine industry group CEEV, warned that the tariff would have “significant economic consequences” for both European producers and American importers and distributors. “A deal is needed as soon as possible,” he urged.
Key Economic Sector
The United States remains the largest destination for EU alcohol exports. In 2024, EU alcohol shipments to the U.S. reached €8.9 billion — approximately 30% of the bloc’s total alcohol exports. France and Italy alone account for nearly 60% of EU wine and spirits exports outside the bloc.
President Trump had previously threatened to impose tariffs as high as 200% on European wines and spirits if the EU did not retract planned countermeasures targeting American whiskey.
Joint Statement Delayed
The European Commission also signaled that a planned joint EU-U.S. statement detailing the terms of their trade agreement may be delayed, stating that “more time is required” to finalize the text. The statement was initially expected on Friday.
Nonetheless, the Commission said it anticipates the U.S. will begin implementing the agreed 15% tariff rate and related exemptions on schedule, contingent on President Trump signing an executive order.
As both sides navigate a complex and politically charged trade landscape, the impact of these tariffs is expected to reverberate through industries on both sides of the Atlantic — with the wine and spirits sector among the hardest hit.
