US Imposes 15% Tariff on EU Wine, Spirits Amid Ongoing Negotiations

Starting August 1, the United States will impose a 15% import tariff on European wine and spirits, increasing from the current 10%, despite ongoing negotiations aimed at securing exemptions. The European Commission and EU diplomats have expressed disappointment as hopes for an immediate reprieve for these traditional sectors were dashed, with talks expected to continue into the autumn. EU officials are pushing to reduce tariffs to zero or adjust wine tariffs to Most Favored Nation fixed rates, but these efforts have not yet succeeded. The tariff increase is expected to cause significant economic harm, with industry representatives warning of combined losses up to 30% when factoring in currency fluctuations, and disruptions affecting both EU producers and US businesses involved in the supply chain. While the framework trade deal signed by US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen includes some exemptions, wine and spirits are not among them at this stage. Both sides remain engaged in negotiations to seek carve-outs for these sectors, but the immediate effect is a blanket 15% tariff impacting nearly all European alcoholic beverages exported to the US.