Today, Wine Institute released the following statement from President and CEO Robert P. Koch in response to the administration’s announcement of new reciprocal tariffs affecting numerous trade partners, including those involved in the import and export of wine with the United States.
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“This isn’t just about trade. It’s about people, livelihoods and an agricultural success story built over generations. When our industry is disrupted, the impact reaches far beyond the winery…” – Robert P. Koch, President & CEO, Wine Institute
Wineries across the country continue to suffer economic harm from Canada’s total ban on U.S. wine sales. Since early March, wine, beer and spirits have been the only U.S. products completely barred from entering and being sold in the Canadian market. Prior to these actions, Canada accounted for 35% of all U.S. wine exports, with a retail value of more than $1.1 billion.
“The wine sector brings people together, drives economic value and reflects the hard work and heritage of families and farmers across the country.
“Today’s announcement of new tariffs will only make it harder for American wineries to regain access to Canada, by far our most important export market. In early March, Canada cleared its shelves of all U.S. wine and continues to block its sale. As this dispute drags on, it is creating economic instability at a time when the industry is already under significant pressure.
“This isn’t just about trade. It’s about people, livelihoods and an agricultural success story built over generations. When our industry is disrupted, the impact reaches far beyond the winery — affecting farmworkers, distributors, small businesses, restaurants and entire communities across the country.”
The U.S. wine industry has long maintained that wine, unlike manufactured goods, is a unique agricultural product and should not be targeted in trade disputes unrelated to the sector. Wine Institute continues to strongly advocate for the removal of wine from all trade retaliation lists, regardless of the market. Retaliatory tariffs not only harm U.S. wine producers but also stall growth and innovation across the entire wine sector.
About Wine Institute
Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine.
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Media Contact:
Gino DiCaro, 916-730-3443
gdicaro@wineinstitute.org
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