Toasts Not Tariffs Petition Warns of “Severe Consequences” from US Spirits Tariffs

The Toasts Not Tariffs petition has intensified its warning to US President Donald Trump, arguing that ongoing tariffs on EU and UK wines and spirits will cause serious economic harm. More than 21,000 industry supporters have signed the petition, which the coalition delivered to Trump on December 10.

This marks the second petition sent within six months, signaling growing urgency from hospitality and drinks industry stakeholders.

Toasts Not Tariffs Petition Calls for Immediate Action

In the petition, the coalition urges the immediate removal of tariffs affecting US, EU, and UK wine and spirits. The group specifically highlights the ongoing 15% tariff on EU products and the 10% tariff on UK spirits.

“If the 15% tariff on EU spirits and wines and the 10% tariff on UK spirits continue, the consequences will be severe,” the coalition states, according to The Spirits Business.

The petition argues that US bars and restaurants already face rising operating costs and declining wine and spirits sales. Additional tariff pressure, it warns, could accelerate job losses, limit consumer choice, and slow economic activity nationwide.

Economic Impact Extends Beyond the Bar

The Toasts Not Tariffs petition underscores the broader economic footprint of the wine and spirits sector. According to the coalition, the industry contributes more than US$476 billion annually to the US economy and supports over 3.5 million jobs.

The group also points to historical precedent. When the EU imposed a 25% retaliatory tariff on American whiskey between 2018 and 2021, US whiskey exports to the EU dropped by 20%, highlighting the vulnerability of spirits trade to tariff escalation.

Risk of Higher Retaliatory Tariffs Looms

Although the EU has currently suspended its retaliatory tariffs on American alcohol, the situation remains unresolved. Without a permanent agreement, US spirits exports could face a 30% tariff starting in February 2026, when the suspension expires.

This uncertainty continues to weigh on producers, distributors, and hospitality operators on both sides of the Atlantic.

Spirits as Cultural and Economic Anchors

In the petition, the coalition emphasizes the cultural role of wine and spirits within American society. “The hospitality industry… is not just a sector. It’s a cornerstone of American life,” the group writes, as cited by The Spirits Business.

The letter further describes wines and spirits as cultural ambassadors tied to specific geographic regions. Because producers cannot easily relocate production to avoid tariffs, the coalition argues that trade barriers inflict disproportionate harm on the sector.

Early Warning Signs Already Visible

Tariffs have already triggered tangible consequences. In Canada, retailers have removed American spirits from store shelves in response to trade tensions. Brown-Forman, owner of Jack Daniel’s, cited this move in its latest financial results, reporting a 61% decline in second-quarter sales in the Canadian market.

These developments reinforce the coalition’s message: without swift action, tariff-driven damage could spread further across global spirits markets.

Stay Updated

Your Rum Journey Starts Here! Join our community for exclusive content, tasting guides, and insider access to the world of rum.

Source of Information

The Spirits Business Article — Toasts Not Tariffs warns Trump ‘consequences will be severe’, written by Melita Kiely

The image of the article is courtesy of © gguy44 via Canva.com