Commerce Settlement Should Embrace Wine to Protect U.S. Jobs and Financial Surplus
WASHINGTON, D.C. July twenty eighth, 2025 — Following this weekend’s bulletins, The U.S. Wine Commerce Alliance (USWTA) is urging U.S. commerce officers to make sure that wine is included within the checklist of exempted items underneath the brand new transatlantic commerce framework. Whereas European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that almost all EU imports will face a 15% tariff, she additionally outlined a “zero-for-zero” settlement that may exempt sure strategic merchandise. With remaining product classes nonetheless being decided, the USWTA warns that failing to exempt wine might have severe penalties for American companies, employees, and customers.
“This weekend’s information is a step in the proper route,” mentioned Ben Aneff, President of the US Wine Commerce Alliance. “We’re heartened that negotiations are leaving room for wine to be included underneath the zero-for-zero exemption construction. Now’s the time to make sure wine is prioritized within the remaining settlement.”
In a follow-up press convention, President von der Leyen acknowledged the 15% tariff could be “all inclusive” throughout most sectors, however that zero-tariff therapy would apply to plane, parts, sure chemical compounds, pharmaceutical generics, semiconductor tools, agricultural items, and different uncooked supplies—with extra to be finalized. When requested particularly about wine and spirits, von der Leyen famous that product-specific clarifications would comply with within the coming weeks.
Earlier this month, USWTA—alongside Napa Valley Vintners, Wine Institute, WineAmerica, the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), and the Nationwide Affiliation of Wine Retailers (NAWR)—despatched a joint letter to President Trump urging the removing of wine from the proposed tariff checklist. In gentle of this weekend’s developments, these teams stay united of their advocacy, persevering with to name on U.S. commerce officers to make sure wine is included within the remaining checklist of exempted items and to pursue a long-term, tariff-free commerce settlement that helps American companies.
“In Could alone, the sharp decline in EU wine imports drained $479 million from U.S. companies throughout the distribution, retail, and hospitality sectors,” Aneff mentioned. “On the similar time, U.S. wine exports have plummeted 41% yr over yr—an alarming sign of disruption on either side of the commerce equation. A complete zero-for-zero settlement isn’t just a coverage win; it’s an financial crucial to revitalize home producers and maintain the American jobs that rely upon a wholesome, open wine market.”
The US continues to generate a big financial surplus from the import and sale of European wines, with American corporations—from importers and distributors to eating places and retailers—capturing the lion’s share of worth. A whole bunch of U.S. wineries have written to the U.S. Commerce Consultant urging the administration to safe a wine exemption as negotiations proceed.
“Preserving this commerce surplus is crucial to the way forward for hundreds of American jobs and small companies,” mentioned Aneff. “A deal on wine could be an enormous win for wine producers and small companies in all 50 states.”
In regards to the U.S. Wine Commerce Alliance:
The US Wine Commerce Alliance (USWTA) advocates for the zero tariffs on imported wine to the US by representing all ranges of the US wine business. By coalition constructing, grassroots initiatives, and direct lobbying, the USWTA unites American importers, wholesalers, retailers, eating places, and producers with a standard objective: attaining a zero-tariff coverage on wine imports.
