The wine industry employers’ association announced that a “severe blow to the wine trade” has occurred due to European exports to the United States accounting for 28% of the total value of EU wine exports in 2024. In that year, the U.S. remained the largest market for European wines, valued at €4.88 billion.
“The reciprocal tariffs announced on EU wines will significantly harm European wine companies, leading to economic uncertainty, layoffs, postponed investments, and price hikes,” stated Marzia Varvaglione, president of the wine employers’ association.
“Targeting EU wine will cause harm on both sides of the Atlantic,” she stated.
“There is no alternative wine market that can compensate for the loss of the American market,” Varvaglione emphasized.
The German chemical industry, for which the U.S. is the primary export market, urged the European Union to “remain calm” in its response to Trump’s tariffs, emphasizing that “escalation would only exacerbate the damage.”
The chemical products federation VCI, representing industrial giants like Bayer and BASF, called on Brussels to “remain flexible in its response and maintain close dialogue with Washington,” as “the objective should be a fair solution for both sides.”
“The United States remains a central trading partner for Germany,” stated the VCI in its communication.
Today, Trump announced the imposition of “reciprocal tariffs” on imports, including a 25% levy on all foreign automobiles.
“It won’t be total [reciprocity], we could charge the full amount [of tariffs imposed by other countries], but we’ll charge half,” said Trump. He presented a chart showing the levels of trade and non-trade barriers on American products in various countries and markets and what Washington will start charging from Thursday.
According to this chart, China applies tariffs of 67% on American products and will now pay 34% to enter the U.S.; EU countries will pay 20% in tariffs, half of the estimated 39% in trade and non-trade barriers.
To access the American market, Japanese products will pay 24%, Indian products 26%, Taiwanese products 32%, and Vietnamese products 46%.
The United Kingdom and Brazil will be subjected to a 10% tariff, matching what is applied to American products, Trump added.
“We call this friendly reciprocity,” said Trump, noting that he “would like” to apply “full reciprocity.”
Specific customs duties for each country or economic bloc, like the EU, will begin implementation from April 9, as reported by White House officials.
The base tariff of 10% will be implemented earlier, starting on Saturday, April 5, according to sources cited by EFE.
The 25% tariffs on foreign cars, significantly affecting EU countries, will take effect from midnight tonight, Trump announced in the White House garden, surrounded by various U.S. flags in the presence of the Vice President and key government members, including the Secretaries of State and Defense.
