French wine industry warns of devastating US tariff fallout

French Wine Industry Urges EU to Reopen Tariff Negotiations

French wine exporters warn that a 15‑percent American levy will hit sales and jobs in France, urging Brussels and Washington to continue talks.

Impact of US Duty and Dollar Decline

• Gabriel Picard, president of the French wine and spirits federation FEVS, said the duty combined with the dollar’s fall could cut US sales by 25 %.
• He estimated the loss would amount to one billion euros and affect 600,000 French jobs.

Calls for Exemption

• Jean‑Marie Fabre, head of the independent French winegrowers union, asked France to secure a tariff exemption.
• Maxime Toubart, co‑president of the Champagne Wines Committee, warned that higher tariffs could reduce French Champagne consumption in the US, impacting employment in both countries.

EU Response

EU officials acknowledged that the wine sector would be hit but said negotiations were ongoing to carve out an exemption.

French Foreign Minister’s Position

Jean‑Noël Barrot said France sought guarantees for its wines and spirits, insisting the situation could not remain the way it was.