The United States has confirmed a 15% tariff on imported Italian wine, adding a new cost to one of Italy’s biggest export categories and raising pressure across the wine trade on both sides of the Atlantic. Italy’s main wine association, Unione Italiana Vini, said the tariff is expected to cost Italian producers 317 million euros over the next year. The group also said the fallout will extend well beyond wineries, with lost revenue for American importers, distributors, retailers and restaurants potentially reaching nearly $1.7 billion.
The tariff follows the new trade framework agreed by U.S. and European leaders after talks in late July and set out in a joint U.S.-EU statement on Aug. 21. Under that statement, most European Union exports to the United States, including sectors such as automobiles, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and timber, will face a maximum tariff rate of 15%. Wine did not receive an exemption.
