I see, in a CNN article, that the US plans to impose tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of European exports, after a WTO decision allowing the US to retaliate against European subsidies for Airbus.
One of the alarming notes for tipplers like us is that among the categories of imports specifically targeted by the US Trade Representative's office for higher tariffs are several European food and drink items. Each of these categories is getting a 25% increase in import duties:
- Single malt or straight Scotch and Irish whiskies from the UK (so, Northern Irish whiskies e.g. Bushmills, not ones from the Republic of Ireland like Jameson, and almost every Scotch. I'm not sure if this includes blended Scotch whiskies like Dewar's or Johnnie Walker);
- Liqueurs and cordials from Germany, Ireland, Spain, or the UK (e.g., Bailey's, Jagermeister, Goldwasser, Drambuie, Fernet-Branca, Campari, Disaronno, Galliano, limoncelli, Aperol, Licor 43, et al);
- Wine from France, Germany, Spain, or the UK;
- Fresh cheese from Germany, Spain, or the UK;
- Other cheeses from several countries including Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK (e.g. Cheddar, Parmesan, provolone, Romano, Stilton, gorgonzola);
- Olives and olive oil from France, Germany, Spain, or the UK;
- Pork products including ham, sausages, and pork shoulders from Austria, Germany, Spain, Italy, the UK, or several other countries (e.g. Speck, prosciutto, Serrano);
- Butter, cheeses, and yogurt from several countries including Ireland (e.g. Kerrygold);
- Cherries from Italy, Slovenia, or several other countries (e.g. Luxardo cocktail cherries);
- Sweet biscuits, cookies, or wafers from Germany or the UK.
Interestingly enough, French cheeses don't seem to come in for additional tariffs, and of course because Switzerland isn't part of the EU, Swiss cheeses aren't affected either. (Swiss-style cheeses from other countries may be more expensive, however.)
The European Union has been levying 25% tariffs on US whiskey, which has caused American whiskey exports to the EU to decline 21% since the tariffs were imposed in June 2018, according to the Distilled Spirits Council. The group is denouncing the US retaliatory tariffs, arguing that they could cost up to 78,600 US jobs in the hospitality and beverage alcohol industries. According to Reuters, ancillary costs are mounting, such as for distillers who bought 700ml bottles to package their spirits for European sale in addition to the standard 750ml bottles used in the US.
The latest US tariffs on EU imports are slated to take effect on October 18.