US Tariff Threats Target French and New Zealand Wine Exports

Washington has signaled that, if a dispute over France’s digital services tax is not resolved, it could impose a 100% tariff on French wine, adding to existing 10%‑12.5% duties that already raise costs for French exporters in the United States. The potential levy would sharply increase prices for Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne labels, pressuring U.S. importers, distributors and retailers to shift purchases to alternative sources.

Separately, the United States has enacted a new 12.5% tariff on most New Zealand goods, including wine, after a forced‑labour review by the Office of the United States Trade Representative. The duty, which replaces a temporary 10% rate, will be collected from importers and likely passed on to New Zealand wineries, U.S. distributors and consumers, threatening the market that accounts for roughly one‑third of New Zealand’s wine export earnings.