Trump Hits EU Wine with 20% Tariff

European wine exports to the United States will face a new 20% tariff starting April 9, following an announcement made by former President Donald Trump on Wednesday, April 2. Speaking at an event in the White House Rose Garden, which he labeled "Liberation Day," Trump unveiled a series of new trade measures under the slogan "Make America Wealthy Again." These measures include tariffs ranging from 10% to 46% on goods from dozens of countries.

The 20% tariff will apply uniformly to all products from European Union member states, without exception. In the wine and spirits sector, this includes not only bottled wine but also alcoholic beverages such as brandy and other distilled products. Trump described the move as the largest tightening of trade policy in over 200 years, saying the new tariffs are designed to protect American industry and wealth from what he called unfair global trade practices.

The European Union exported 4.88 billion euros worth of wine to the U.S. market in 2024, representing 28% of its total wine exports. The United States remains the main destination outside the continent for European wines. Companies in the sector now fear a significant reduction in their presence in this market due to the impact that higher prices will have on demand.

China is among the countries facing the steepest tariffs, with a 34% rate. Vietnam will be subject to 46%, Indonesia to 32%, and Switzerland to 31%. Japan and South Korea will see tariffs of 24% and 25%, respectively. A base rate of 10% will be imposed on exports from the United Kingdom, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Turkey, Australia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. These 10% tariffs will take effect on April 5, while the higher rates, including the 20% tariff on EU products, will come into force on April 9.

Wine producers outside Europe will also be affected, though most to a lesser degree. Australia, Chile and Argentina will be subject to 10%. Other producing countries are less fortunate, such as South Africa, which will be subject to a higher rate of 30%.

This policy shift comes at a time when many wine-producing countries are working to expand their presence in the U.S. market, which remains one of the largest global destinations for imported bottled wine. European wine sector representatives have voiced concern over the economic impact of the new tariffs, citing the potential loss of market share and competitiveness in the United States. They also raised the possibility of retaliatory actions by the European Union, which has already opened discussions with several of the affected governments.