Answer to a written question – French wine and spirits sector under threat: can the EU afford to pursue a risky trade strategy? – E-001227/2025(ASW)

The EU countermeasures in response to the unjustified United States (US) tariffs on EU exports of steel and aluminium were adopted on 14 April 2025[1].

Following exchanges with the Member States, the adopted measures do not include alcoholic products. This decision is in line with the objective to defend European interests effectively while ensuring a proportionate and well calibrated response.

In the meantime, the US have delayed by 90 days its country-specific universal tariffs. Given the commitment to negotiated solutions, the Commission decided to put the adopted EU countermeasures on hold for 90 days[2].

This gesture of goodwill will give time for negotiations to proceed . If, however, the negotiations are not satisfactory, the EU countermeasures will come into force on 14 July 2025 .

In addition, on 8 May 2025, the Commission launched a stakeholder consultation on further EU rebalancing measures[3] against other unjustified US tariffs, which also hit EU exports of wine and spirits. Wine and spirits are covered in the list of products considered for a possible EU response.

While the priority remains a negotiated solution, the Commission is fully committed to defending EU interests in a firm, proportional and calibrated manner .

No options are off the table, including in the digital services sector . However, for now, the immediate priority is to preserve room for negotiation.

• [1] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/778 of 14 April 2025 on commercial rebalancing measures concerning certain products originating in the United States of America and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/886, OJ L, 2025/778, 14.4.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2025/778/oj.
• [2] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/786 of 14 April 2025 suspending commercial rebalancing measures concerning certain products originating in the United States imposed by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/778 and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2882, OJ L, 2025/786, 14.4.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2025/786/oj.
• [3] https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/consultations/information-gathering-notice-under-regulation-eu-no-6542014-new-us-tariffs-imports-originating-or-eu_en.