Question 5465 — alcohol and alcoholic beverages

Summary

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty shares the concerns expressed about the threat of additional customs duties being imposed on European wines and spirits by the United States. The decisions taken on trade matters by the United States are regrettable and endanger transatlantic trade, which is a source of prosperity, stability and employment on both sides of the Atlantic. THE March 12, 2025, the United States reinstated additional tariffs of 25% on imports of steel and aluminum, and plans to apply these tariffs to a series of derivative products containing steel and aluminum. After having in the meantime decided to impose additional duties of 25% for the automotive sector (vehicles and spare parts), the American President announced, on April 2, 2025, the introduction of duties described by the US administration as “reciprocal”, with a rate of 20% applying to US imports from the European Union (EU). Higher rates apply to some other regions and countries around the world, while the announced minimum (applied especially to countries with a trade deficit with the United States) is 10%. In response to additional customs duties imposed by the United States on steel and aluminum, the European Union (EU) adopted countermeasures on April 9, 2025 on a list of goods imported from the United States. The Government successfully mobilized to ensure that this list of countermeasures was proportionate and adapted, in order to respond to American actions without entering into a cycle of escalation, detrimental to both parties. On April 9, 2025, the American President suspended the application of additional 20% duties on European imports for a period of 90 days, while maintaining the additional 10% duties applicable to all countries. In order to favor the path of dialogue with the American Government, the EU responded by announcing the suspension of its own countermeasures for the same period. France does not want a commercial escalation. However, she insists that the national and European interests are defended. The Government therefore supports the European approach which aims to provide a united and proportionate response to American trade measures which affect the EU. This is the best way to protect the interests of the sectors and companies, and to enter into a possible negotiation from a position of strength. The Government will continue to participate in the EU's search for a common solution at EU level, negotiated and constructive with the United States to put an end to the unfounded duties introduced as well as the threats targeting French and European wines and spirits in particular.

Machine translation from French. The official text remains authoritative.

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