- 27
- Mar
- 2025
Donald Trump’s economic formula is now well known: an explosive cocktail of customs tariffs! A threat that makes European winemakers and liquor producers shudder – with up to 200% in taxes on wine and spirits. As they might say in Scotland, “That’s a bit more sour than a good whisky without ice!”
US President Donald Trump, who never misses an opportunity to shake up global markets, has decided to strike hard by imposing new tariffs on certain goods. Among the most affected are wines, champagnes and Scotch whisky. Yes, Scotland – the birthplace of his mother! They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, but in this case, it seems the fruit took its sweet time falling – at least when it comes to Scottish distilleries.
In Scotland, it’s a storm! Single malt whisky, that legendary nectar, owes much of its success to exports to America. If an economic war breaks out, Scottish distilleries could take a serious hit and find themselves short on both “spirits” and cash. With these new tariffs, which include threats of a 200% surcharge on Scotch whisky, the local industry could soon find itself in a situation as tragic as a missed birdie putt. Already shaken by the crisis, Scottish distilleries now have to juggle rising costs that could lead them straight to bankruptcy. Just imagine – a 12-year-old whisky ending up behind Trump’s tariff bars!
Distilleries, which are the very soul of Scottish culture, will now have to rely on the deep pockets of whisky lovers around the world. But let’s be realistic: if prices soar due to these tariffs, even the most passionate Scotch fans may have to cut back on their consumption. In short, these distilleries might be forced to “water down” their production…
And to top it all off, France and Italy – countries renowned for their wines and champagnes – are not being spared either. Trump is taking aim at their cherished wine culture with the threat of harsh tariffs. Winemakers in Bordeaux, Champagne and Tuscany could be forced to shelve their “vintages” and focus on less profitable ventures. Yes, gone are the days of a French dinner with a fine Bordeaux or a romantic Italian evening with a sparkling Prosecco. These bottles are also facing potential 200% tariffs – essentially turning a good vintage into a spoiled one.
Italy’s main agricultural union, Coldiretti, sounded the alarm on Thursday, revealing that wine exports to the US are being halted for fear of imminent tariffs. According to Coldiretti, this could cost Italian producers €six million per day. Exporters are hesitant to ship wine, worried that tariffs might be imposed mid-transit, making their products uncompetitive upon arrival. American importers, left in uncertainty, are waiting for clarification from the Trump administration before placing orders.
It’s worth noting that Italian wine exports to the US have seen a sharp rise in recent years, reaching €1.9 billion in 2024. However, a 200% surcharge could slash those exports by 70 to 80%. According to Federvini, the federation of wines and spirits, this threat endangers nearly 40,000 businesses and 460,000 jobs.
It seems, then, that Trump’s trade policy has left Scotch whisky and European wines in a rather bitter spot. If these tariffs are upheld, it won’t just be distilleries raising a glass in despair – it’ll be an entire European cultural heritage facing what could be called a “bottled bankruptcy.” The only question now is whether Trump will reverse course before everyone is left drinking flat water!
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