European wine and spirits makers urge 0% tariffs as EU-U.S. deal leaves sector in the dark

European wine and spirit makers are viewing their exclusion from the newly-etched U.S.-EU trade deal with caution as industry bodies call for a sector specific carve-out.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday that a framework deal imposing 15% tariffs on EU goods imported to the U.S. did not contain any decision regarding the wine and spirits industry, adding that an agreement for the sector would be examined in the coming weeks.

For wine and spirits, provenance is key, making it near impossible for many firms to move production. Meantime, an industry-wide reprieve would provide welcome relief for the sector, which has been under pressure amid waning consumer spending and shifting consumption habits...