The Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) has described the latest reduction in tariffs between the US and EU as “great news”.
Following negotiations in Scotland between President Donald Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the two sides agreed yesterday (27 July) to a 15% US tariff on all EU goods – down from the 30% rate previously set to take effect on 1 August. However, the specifics of the agreement remain unclear, with von der Leyen confirming on Sunday that it includes no decision regarding the wine and spirits sector.
Despite this, Discus CEO Chris Swonger welcomed the move, saying he is “optimistic that in the days ahead this positive meeting and agreement will lead to a return to zero-for-zero tariffs for US and EU spirits products, which will benefit not only our nation’s distillers, but also the American workers and farmers who support them from grain to glass.”
He added: “For more than 20 years, large and small distilleries across the US have flourished under a tariff-free relationship with the EU, our largest export market. It’s time to get back to toasts not tariffs.”
Earlier this month, Discus expressed its concern over The World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest initiative that urges countries to implement higher taxes on alcohol.
