The American wine industry is urging President Donald Trump to exempt European wines from new tariffs, following the announcement of a trade agreement that would impose a 15 percent tax on European products exported to the United States. Ben Aneff, president of the US Wine Trade Alliance (USWTA), said Monday that the weekend’s announcement was “a step in the right direction,” but stressed that more needs to be done to protect the wine sector.
Currently, the agreement provides for zero tariffs only for European aerospace products and certain medical devices exported to the U.S. The fate of wine and spirits remains undecided as negotiations continue. Aneff explained that the USWTA, which represents importers, wholesalers, retailers, restaurateurs, and American producers, is encouraged by the possibility that wine could be included in a “zero-for-zero” exemption. He emphasized the need for wine to be prioritized in the final agreement.
Industry leaders warn that failing to exempt wine from tariffs could have serious consequences for American businesses, workers, and consumers. The USWTA reports that hundreds of American wineries have already written to U.S. representatives urging them not to impose tariffs on wine. According to data from the Alliance, threats of new taxes have already led to a sharp drop in imports of European Union wines. In May alone, this decline cost American companies in distribution, retail, and hospitality $479 million.
The organization also highlighted a 41 percent year-over-year decrease in American wine exports, calling it an alarming sign of disruption on both sides of the trade equation. Aneff stated that a comprehensive “zero-for-zero” agreement is not just a political win but an economic necessity to revitalize domestic producers and protect American jobs tied to a healthy and open wine market.
In July, several major groups representing the U.S. wine industry—including USWTA, WineAmerica, Napa Valley Vintners, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), and the National Association of Wine Retailers—sent a joint letter directly to President Trump. They asked him to remove wine from the list of taxed products.
Following this weekend’s developments, these organizations remain united in their advocacy. They continue to call on U.S. trade officials to ensure that wine is included in the final list of exempted products and to secure a long-term trade agreement free from tariffs. The USWTA reiterated its position in a statement Monday, underscoring the importance of reaching an agreement that supports both American businesses and consumers who rely on access to international wines. Negotiations are ongoing as industry stakeholders await further decisions from Washington.
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