As the United States considers a significant increase in tariffs on European wines and spirits – up to 30% as of 1 August 2025 – AREV President Franck Leroy expresses deep concern over this prospect. Such a measure would have disastrous economic consequences for the entire European wine sector, already weakened by soaring production costs, the effects of climate change, and growing instability in international markets.
“A 30% tariff hike would mean between €2 and €2.3 billion worth of wine no longer exported to the United States. The consequences would be dramatic across the entire value chain,” warns the AREV President.
The distress is also palpable within the US wine and spirits distribution sector. In a letter sent to President Trump on 11 July, the President of the U.S. Trade and Wine Alliance (USTWA) recalled:
“EU wines are imported, distributed, and served by American companies, which support a solid and reliable distribution network across the country. For every dollar paid to a European producer, the American distribution and hospitality sectors earn $4.50. Wine accounts for up to 60% of a restaurant’s gross margin.”
As a reminder, in 2019, the imposition of 25% tariffs led to the loss of 93,000 jobs in the United States (USTWA).
In this context, the AREV President calls on the European Commission for prudence, clarity, and a sense of responsibility. The vital interest of the wine and spirits sector – on both sides of the Atlantic – is at stake.
Despite the looming 1 August deadline and aware of the complexity of trade negotiations, AREV stresses the need for a negotiated agreement – the only way to provide the visibility that operators urgently require. Prolonged uncertainty forces stakeholders to make short-term decisions in a sector that is inherently long-term in nature.
“Haste and volatility in trade rules are the direct enemies of a sector built on foresight, investment, and stability,” concludes Franck Leroy.
