Following negotiations between President Donald Trump and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland, the pair agreed a US tariff on all EU goods of 15% – half of the 30% tariff on imported EU goods that was set to come into effect on 1 August.
However, the details of the agreement remain unclear with Von der Leyen confirming on Sunday that the deal contains no decision regarding the wine and spirits industry.
Alcohol is one of the EU’s most valuable exports to the US, accounting for around €9 billion in 2024, according to Eurostat data.
“We are optimistic that in the days ahead this positive meeting and agreement will lead to a return to zero-for-zero tariffs for US and EU spirits products, which will benefit not only our nation’s distillers, but also the American workers and farmers who support them from grain to glass,” said Chris Swonger, chief executive and president of the US Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) in a statement.
“For more than 20 years, large and small distilleries across the U.S. have flourished under a tariff-free relationship with the EU, our largest export market. It’s time to get back to toasts not tariffs.”
According to the Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV), the 10% tariffs placed on EU imports by Trump earlier in his presidency saw a 12% decline in turnover for European wine producers.
President of CEEV, Marzia Varvaglione, mirrors Swonger’s plea for a removal of all tariffs on alcoholic products.
″[We] are watching with great anticipation the outcome of the upcoming negotiations regarding the list of products that will be included under the zero-for-zero tariff arrangement, among them some agricultural products.
“We truly believe the trade of wine is of great benefit for both EU and US companies.”
Von der Leyen has indicated that an agreement for the alcohol sector would be explored in the coming weeks.
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