The blow has not yet landed. But Donald Trump's tax threats are worrying French wine, spirits and dairy producers. After introducing, Tuesday, March 4, tariffs worth 25% on Canadian and Mexican imports, and raising those on Chinese products to 20%, the US president has turned up the heat on Europe's agricultural sector. In a message posted on his Truth Social network on March 3, he said he planned to impose tariffs on agricultural products entering the US from April 2. At the same time, he urged American farmers to produce more.

Faced with this gloomy outlook, an organization of French wine and spirits exporters known as FEVS opted to remain discreet in its comments for as long as "we know neither the countries concerned – including those outside the EU – nor the products that would be targeted, nor the rates that would be applied," it said. The US positions are indeed quick to change. As early as March 5, the tax on imports from Canada and Mexico was amended for vehicles manufactured in these two countries, with a one-month reprieve.

However, the industry knows it will be on the front line if the White House launches a salvo of tariffs. In 2024, the US consolidated its position as the leading shipping destination for French wines and spirits, with sales of €3.8 billion, an increase of 5%. This growth could be explained by a preemptive stockpiling of bottles in December 2024 ahead of a possible rise in the customs barrier.

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