A US-based group representing a number of the country’s drinks industry bodies has submitted a petition to the US President wanting that the “consequences will be severe” in relation to the on-going tariff situation.
Toasts Not Tariffs is a coalition of US wine, spirits and hospitality trade bodies campaigning against import tariffs on alcoholic beverages, particularly on those imposed on wine and spirits from the UK and Europe.
Their petition to President Trump urges the president to immediately drop all tariffs between the US, the EU, and the UK. The petition has a strong support from across the industry, attracting a reported 21,000 signatories.
It argues that the tariffs will stifle rather than encourage economic growth. The petition says: “If the 15% tariff on EU spirits and wines and the 10% tariff on UK spirits continues, the consequences will be severe.
“US restaurants and bars, already battling rising costs and declining wine and spirits sales, will be hit with another blow that could trigger even more job losses, reduce consumer choice and stall economic activity across the country.”
With regards to hospitality, the petition adds “the hospitality industry, which includes restaurants, bars, retail stores, etc, is not just a sector. It’s a cornerstone of American life. It employs millions of Americans, generates trillions in annual revenue, and helps communities connect.”
As for US made spirits and wines, the petition highlights that when the EU previously imposed a 25% retaliatory tariff on American whiskeys from 2018 to 2021, exports to the trade bloc fell by 20%, which had an incredibly negative impact on the American whiskey industry.
Following the Trump’s tariffs on EU-made goods earlier this year, the EU introduced a retaliatory tariff, though this is currently suspended until February 2026. If no agreement is reached before then, US made spirits will face a 30% tariff in the region.
This lingering threat is yet another element of uncertainty American distillers and vintners are facing against the backdrop of growing economic challenges.
In short, the petition argues for urged a return to fair, reciprocal tariff-free trade where both imports and exports of wine and spirits face no punitive duties, noting how this will benefit American workers, producers and consumers alike.
This is the second such petition delivered to President Trump. A previous petition with 19,000 signatories was filed back in June.
Whether or not this current petition will receive any attention from the President, and thereby deliver any meaningful change, remains to be seen. However, the growing number of people supporting and advocating for a return to tariff free trade should give spirits producers on both sides of the Atlantic a glimmer of hope.
Beyond the UK and the EU, another key trade partner falling foul of Trump’s tariff plans is Canada.
We recently wrote about how American made spirits are returning to the shelves in some Canadian provinces. Check out our previous article “Canadian Provinces to Resell American Spirits” for more information on the latest developments with this issue.
