There France it is ready to react to U.S. duties on Champagne, wine and others Alcoholic beverages European. The minister of Foreign trade French, Laurent Saint-Martinsaid about X: “We will not give in to threats.”
The voltage has increased after the European Commission imposed duties on American whiskeytriggering the reaction of United Stateswhich now threaten rates up to 200% on European wines.
French exporters in alarm: “We were sacrificed”
THE’Association of wine exporters and liqueurs (Fevs) denounces that the sector ended up in the Washington viewfinder without any direct responsibility.
“We are tired of being systematically sacrificed for disputes that do not concern us,” he said Nicolas Ozanamhead of the Fevs. The association invites the EU Commission to act with realism To avoid an escalation.
Italy risks losing 1.93 billion exports
Also theItaly He is worried. The president of theItalian Union Vini (UIV), Lamberto Frescobaldihas severely criticized the possible imposition of duties at 200% on European wines.
“These Commercial wars They all penalize. The wine is a symbol of friendship between the peoples, not a clash, “said Frescobaldi.
According to theUIV ObservatoryIn the 2024 theItaly exported to USA The 24% of the total global exportsfor a value of 1.93 billion euros (+10% compared to 2023). With such high duties, this market could resetwith serious repercussions for the entire sector.
Because the US also would lose
The impact of duties would not only affect theEuropebut also the United States. For each euro of import winetheAmerican Wine & Food industry gene 4.5 euros of revenues. A collapse of European imports would damage American restaurateurs, distributors and consumers.
An avoidable clash?
Experts believe that a diplomatic solution is still possible. THE’EU could review the duties on American whiskeywhile the USA they could opt for a compromise.
Meanwhile, European manufacturers and exporters remain waiting, hoping that international trade does not become hostage to political tensions.