“Block all wine shipments from Europe.” The recommendation of the Wine Trade Alliance ahead of Trump’s tariffs

The threat of 200% tariffs on European wines has paralysed the U.S. wine market. After isolated announcements and independent initiatives by individual importers suspending orders from the Old Continent, an official stance has now been taken by the Wine Trade Alliance. This group represents American importers, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, and producers in pursuit of a zero-tariff policy. Their recommendation is to immediately halt shipments from Europe in anticipation of potential April tariffs.

The recommendation of the Wine Trade Alliance

"We strongly advise American businesses to halt all shipments of wine, spirits, and beer from the EU. The current tariff risk is too high," reads the communication from the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance (USWTA), signed by its president, Ben Aneff. "As you know," the statement continues, "President Trump has threatened to impose 200% tariffs on all alcoholic beverages from the EU in response to the planned EU tariffs on U.S. Bourbon and other products. The European announcement states that these tariffs would come into effect on 1 April. We believe it is possible that the U.S. could immediately retaliate on 2 April, using a section of trade law that has never been applied before."

What could happen from 2 April?

The U.S. group explains that it is working to ensure that any tariff measures include at least an exemption for goods already in transit. However, "the harsh reality," the statement reads, "is that there is currently no guarantee of an exemption for goods in transit. We are fully aware of the disruption this would cause and do not make this recommendation lightly. To be clear, no Federal Register notice has yet been published on this matter, and it is possible that either the U.S. or Europe could step away from the current tit-for-tat approach. However, at this moment, there is a risk that goods arriving in the U.S. after the beginning of April may be subject to tariffs."

Diplomatic efforts in Europe and the U.S.

For now, both in the Old and New Worlds, mediation efforts are underway. In Italy, the leaders of the Unione Italiana Vini have met with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to urge Europe to remove tariffs on U.S. alcoholic beverages. Meanwhile, the Wine Trade Alliance has assured that it is working hard to prevent Trump’s threats from becoming reality: "We are in daily discussions with agency staff and members of Congress. This is not a fight we started, but it is a fight we are involved in nonetheless," concludes Ben Aneff.