Groups representing the brewing and spirit making industries in Europe have hit out at the Trump administration’s implementation of 20% tariffs on all EU products, with Brewers of Europe saying the move will ‘create losers on both sides, across the society and economy’.
Brewers of Europe, which represents national brewers’ associations and companies from 28 European countries, noted that the US is the European brewing industry’s second most important export market for beer in both value and volume terms.
It said that the addition of beer to ‘Annex 1’ on aluminium derivative products facing a 25% tariff is ‘particularly concerning to Europe’s ten thousand breweries’, adding that it would be seeking further clarity on the measure.
‘With value chains that stretch from the farmers grafting in the fields to the hardworking staff in the bars, it is critical to de-escalate and work towards a solution that cuts tariffs on beer and thus benefits consumers, workers and businesses in both the EU and the US,’ the group said.
Spirits industry concerns
Elsewhere, spirits industry representative group spiritsEUROPE said that the EU and US spirits sectors are ‘highly integrated’ across the Atlantic and help to support ‘many jobs on both sides, across manufacturing, distribution, farming, retail and hospitality’.
It welcomed the EU’s desire to reach a negotiated solution with the US, adding that it ‘stands ready to contribute with proposals to enhance our sectors’ mutual success’.
‘We want to ensure a return to an environment that supports continued growth for both EU and US producers,’ it added.
Echoing this statement, the Scotch Whisky Association said that it was ‘disappointed’ by the tariff introduction.
“We welcome the intensive efforts by the UK government to reach a deal with the US administration, and we continue to support this measured and pragmatic approach towards a mutually beneficial resolution,” a spokesperson said.
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