On Monday, the European Union announced a six-month suspension of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, including distilled spirits, wine, and used barrels, which was originally set to take effect this summer. The suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place through February 5, 2026.
Tariffs on used barrels were scheduled to take effect on August 7, and those on spirits and wine on September 7. According to the EU’s implementing regulation, the suspension is intended to support the implementation of the recently announced U.S.-EU trade agreement and to encourage continued progress on resolving outstanding transatlantic trade issues. The EU has stated it will monitor developments and may revisit the suspension depending on the outcome of ongoing negotiations.
Press reports indicate that the EU continues to push for a joint statement that could include permanent exemptions for wine, spirits, and other products such as cork and cork-related materials.
The American Craft Spirits Association—which is a part of the Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition—will continue to monitor these developments closely and share updates with our members as they become available.
