The European Federation of Origin Wines (EFOW) has urged the European Commission to exclude wine and Bourbon from potential retaliatory measures against the United States. This request comes amid ongoing trade tensions following U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. On March 20, EFOW participated in a public consultation initiated by the European Commission to discuss possible countermeasures on American products. EFOW, representing European wine denominations, seeks a negotiated solution to avoid harming specific sectors and the broader economy.
EFOW, along with similar associations from EU member countries, has been actively involved in the consultation process since March 12. They have communicated their stance to the European Commission’s Agriculture and Trade departments, emphasizing the need for negotiations to resolve the trade dispute without involving wine. The organization strongly opposes including U.S. wines and Bourbon in the EU’s list of retaliatory products.
The United States is a significant export market for European wines with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), especially Spanish wines. The wine sector is vital for European agriculture, playing a crucial role in rural development and supporting local economies and cultural heritage. Imposing retaliatory tariffs on wine could have severe consequences, increasing economic uncertainty, causing revenue and job losses, and hindering investment in the sector.
EFOW views the European Commission’s decision to delay the imposition of initial countermeasures as a positive sign. Originally set to take effect on April 1, these measures are now postponed by 15 days, aligning with the planned date for additional countermeasures. This delay provides an opportunity for further dialogue and negotiation.
Riccardo Ricci Curbastro, EFOW’s president, emphasized that wine should not be used as leverage in unrelated conflicts. He called on the European Commission to exclude wine and Bourbon from the final list of products subject to retaliatory measures. EFOW remains committed to collaborating with European and Spanish institutions to protect the interests of wine denominations and ensure the sector’s prosperity.