The EU postpones counter-tariffs on American whiskey. They will take effect from mid-April

The EU tariffs on Americanwhiskey — which so enraged President Donald Trump that he threatened 200% duties on Champagne and European wines—will now come into effect in Europe only from mid-April, rather than on 31 March. The decision to delay a package of tariffs against the United States was announced by a spokesperson for the European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen.

Brussels’ goal is not so much to lessen the impact of the customs duties against the U.S. in the ongoing trade war over steel and aluminium—which will still amount to around €26 billion, to offset the U.S. increase to 25% tariffs on European goods (set to take effect from 2 April, including agri-food products)—but rather to "allow more time for negotiation phases" with the White House.

photo wirestock su Freepik

More room for the wine sector

The decision to postpone the application of the trade countermeasures announced by the EU on 12 March could be an advantage, especially for the wine sector. This delay could help avoid the risk of the 200% super-tariff, which, according to industry associations, could push European wine out of the U.S. market—the world’s largest wine market and the leading destination for Italian wine, worth nearly €2 billion.

Italian wine industry unions had already warned of the need to block tariffs on American whiskey (with support from Federvini) and had called on Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani—through the Unione Italiana Vini on Wednesday, 19 March—to make a formal request to Brussels to exclude wines and spirits from the trade war, arguing that wine has nothing to do with the dispute.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, importers and distributors gathered in the Wine Trade Alliance are advising a halt to all purchases and shipments of wines and spirits from Europe, to avoid any risk of tariffs—even on goods that have already been dispatched.