Spirits Sparred: EU-US Trade Deal Omits Key Sector

The recent EU-U.S. trade deal excludes wine and spirits, as per EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic. Although current tariffs on several goods are addressed, the spirits industry remains on the sidelines. The Distilled Spirits Council expressed disappointment, urging further negotiations for tariff reduction.

The recent trade agreement between the European Union and the United States has left out the wine and spirits sector, according to EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic. Sefcovic emphasized that the discussion to reduce tariffs for this and other industries remains open, though currently not included.

The deal reached last month imposes a 15% U.S. tariff on major imports from the EU, spanning autos, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber. Despite the exclusion of wines and spirits, Sefcovic reassures that the European Commission is committed to revisiting this matter.

The omission has prompted a response from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, which expressed dissatisfaction. The council urged ongoing dialogues with the administration to secure negotiations for a return to zero tariffs, a move seen as critical for export planning and job growth.