Brussels, 3 April 2025
The European Federation of Origin Wines (EFOW) strongly regrets the United States’ decision to impose an additional 20% tariff on EU wines. This decision marks a significant setback for the EU wine sector, jeopardising its largest export market in both value and volume.
During today’s meeting of the European Parliament’s Wine, Quality Products, and Spirits Intergroup in Strasbourg, EFOW conveyed its deep concerns to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and the European Commission. EFOW emphasised that these tariffs come at an already challenging time for the wine sector, which is grappling with declining consumption and broader market pressures. The US market is irreplaceable in the short term, and these measures threaten severe economic repercussions for wine-producing regions across the EU. Job losses, business closures, and long-term harm to rural economies are all at stake. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated: imports are already being halted, with the US Wine Trade Alliance advising its members to suspend purchases of European wines.
EFOW stressed that this development highlights the critical need for immediate diplomatic engagement. It is imperative to pursue continued dialogue to protect EU wines and negotiate a sustainable resolution. The future of Geographical Indication (GI) wines is at risk.
While acknowledging the broader trade tensions, EFOW firmly maintains that escalating tariffs is not the answer. Instead, the it calls on the European Commission to strengthen its engagement with the US administration to secure a fair and lasting agreement for the sector. EFOW advocates for a “zero-for-zero” agreement on wine and spirits tariffs as a constructive and forward-looking solution. Safeguarding the economic sustainability, jobs, and cultural heritage of Europe’s wine regions must remain a priority.