BREAKING NEWS: USTR Announces EU Tariff Update

As expected, the USTR announced the update to the WTO Airbus case last night. As most of you are aware, in mid 2019, the WTO decided in favor of the USA on a decision involving subsidies to Airbus, and the USA subsequently levied retaliatory tariffs on a list of EU origin products including many beverage alcohol products, such as single malt whisky/whiskey and wines under 14% ABV.

The first round of tariffs went into effect on October 18, 2019. After the initial decision, the USTR is required to review and revise the goods on the retaliation list (in whole or in part), 120 days after the tariffs are applied, and every 180 days thereafter. At the 120 day mark, the USTR announced very limited changes, and no changes at all for beverage alcohol. We are now at the next review date, and today’s decision continues the status quo for beverage alcohol with no changes from the current tariffs on our industry. 

A link to the full announcement by the USTR can be found here.