Trade bodies vocally oppose tariffs on EU spirits
A joint statement from the US and EU regarding 15% tariffs on exports to the States failed to exempt the spirits industry despite persistent lobbying.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) has released a statement in response to a 15% tariffs placed on all EU goods including spirits.
“While we greatly appreciate President Trump’s efforts to protect American manufacturing jobs, we are disappointed that this joint statement did not include permanent tariff-free trade for distilled spirits on both sides of the Atlantic,” Discus president and CEO Chris Swonger said.
According to an economic analysis provided by Discus, a 15% tariff on EU spirits imports could result in more than US$1 billion in lost retail sales and more than 12,000 jobs lost.
On 5 August, the EU announced a six-month suspension of retaliatory tariffs on US imports, including distilled spirits, to remain in place until 5 February 2026.
There is disappointment on both sides that the statement from the US and EU released on 21 August failed to mention the spirits industry entirely.
“This was a critical moment to reaffirm and reinvigorate our shared commitment to fair and reciprocal trade and give the transatlantic spirits sector the boost it needs to get back on a stronger growth path,” Hervé Dumesny, director general of SpiritsEurope, said. “While we appreciate the progress made in de-escalating broader trade tensions, every month of delay in restoring the zero-for-zero tariff agreement for spirits holds back growth, investment and consumer choice on both sides of the Atlantic.”
An air of uncertainty surrounding tariffs has made it difficult for distillers on both sides of the Atlantic to plan long term, particularly as export markets provide a clear path to growth for producers.
Data shows both the US and EU spirits industries prosper when zero-for-zero tariffs are in place, while sales slump for each when they are not.
“We urge both sides to remain at the negotiating table and deliver a swift, full return to zero-for-zero,” Dumesny added. “This means reaffirming the support for our sector across the Atlantic by removing US tariffs on EU spirits and lifting any suspended EU retaliatory measures on US products.
“Restoring this agreement and predictability in transatlantic spirits trade is essential for enabling our sector to thrive through fair and reciprocal trade that benefits farmers, distillers, retailers, hospitality workers and consumers alike.”
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