The recent agreement between the United States and the European Union has set a new 15% tariff on all European wine exports to the U.S. market, effective from August. This decision follows months of negotiations and uncertainty that began in January, as both sides sought to resolve ongoing trade disputes. The wine sector had hoped for an exemption or a “zero-for-zero” deal for certain products, but these hopes were not realized in the final agreement reached at the end of July.
The impact of this new tariff is already becoming clearer as more information emerges each week. Official U.S. customs data up to May 2025 shows that Italy and France are the most affected countries. Together, they account for 61% of all bottled wine imports into the United States over the past year. Italy leads with 40% of the total volume, while France holds 21%. Spain follows with a 7% share, amounting to about 67 million liters in twelve months, slightly ahead of Australia and New Zealand. Chile and Argentina export even less to the U.S. market.
The focus on bottled wines is significant because it avoids distortions caused by large volumes of bulk wine imports from Canada, which are not subject to the same tariffs or market dynamics. The new tariff applies uniformly across all EU member states, unlike previous measures in 2019 that targeted specific countries. This means that Italy and France, as the largest exporters of bottled wine to the U.S., will bear the brunt of the increased costs.
Industry representatives in both Europe and the United States have expressed concern about the potential consequences for consumers and producers alike. Importers warn that higher prices could reduce demand for European wines in American stores and restaurants. Producers in Italy and France fear losing market share to competitors from countries not affected by the tariff, such as Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and Argentina.
Negotiations between Washington and Brussels are expected to continue in the coming months. Both sides have indicated that future changes are possible if progress is made on broader trade issues. For now, however, European wine exporters must adjust to a new reality in one of their most important overseas markets.
The decision comes at a time when global wine trade is already facing challenges from changing consumer preferences, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainty. The 15% tariff adds another layer of complexity for European producers seeking to maintain their presence in the United States.
As the situation develops, industry analysts will be watching closely to see how import volumes and consumer prices respond to the new tariffs. The outcome will have significant implications not only for winemakers in Europe but also for American retailers and wine lovers who have grown accustomed to a wide selection of European wines on store shelves.
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