EU-US trade deal does not include wine and spirits, says EU trade chief
The EU-U.S. trade deal, announced by EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, excludes wine and spirits, though he noted that tariff reductions for these sectors are still possible. The deal includes a 15% U.S. tariff on various imports from the EU. The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. expressed disappointment, emphasizing the need for certainty in planning for future exports and job growth without the threat of retaliatory tariffs.
BRUSSELS, Aug 21 (Reuters) - The EU-U.S. trade deal does not include wine and spirits, European Union Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said on Thursday, adding that the door was not closed to tariff reductions for the sector and others not included in the deal.
He made the comments after the European Union and the United States detailed commitments made in a deal reached last month that includes a 15% U.S. tariff on most imports from the bloc, including autos, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber.
“This one we didn’t get in. But I can tell you that there is clear commitment from the European Commission to put it on the table”, Sefcovic said, referring to wines and spirits.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States expressed disappointment in a statement.
“Without a permanent return to zero-for-zero tariffs on spirits, American distillers do not have the certainty to plan for future export and job growth without the fear of retaliatory tariffs returning”, it said. It added that it was “determined to continue engaging with the Trump administration to urge for additional negotiations”.
