Finally, it does not include wine or spirits.
MADRID, 22 (EUROPA PRESS)
Spirits Spain has expressed its "deep disappointment" over the final agreement reached between the European Union and the United States in the tariff war, which does not exclude spirits and wine, which remain subject to a 15% tariff, according to a statement.
"We urge both parties to continue negotiating until a complete zero-for-zero balance is reached," said Bosco Torremocha, CEO of Espirituosos España, after the details of the agreement were revealed.
Torremocha has shown his "total" support for the sector on the other side of the Atlantic by eliminating US tariffs on EU spirits. "Trade wars cannot be won; only through free trade can the sector prosper based on fair and reciprocal trade that equally benefits farmers, distillers, hospitality workers, distributors, and ultimately consumers," he emphasized.
In this context, Espirituosos España has expressed its willingness to collaborate constructively with all stakeholders to achieve a lasting, balanced, and tariff-free solution that reflects the long-standing spirit of cooperation between the EU and the US in this sector.
WINES AND SPIRITS, OFF THE LIST
It's worth remembering that yesterday the European Union formally agreed with the United States to impose a general maximum tariff of 15% on its exports, which will also apply to sectors such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. However, in the case of vehicles, the reduction from the current 27.5% is conditional on improved access to American agricultural products and food.
European wine and spirits are currently excluded from the list of products targeted in the joint statement, despite Europe's hopes for a favorable deal for these products. In any case, the EU and the United States will continue negotiating more sectors and products sensitive to their economies to expand this list of minimum tariffs, including alcoholic beverages.
"Tariffs on wine, spirits, and beer were one of the EU's most important interests. Unfortunately, we failed to include this sector," admitted European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic yesterday, noting that the door is not closed to including these products in the future.
In the automotive sector, European cars and components will benefit from a reduction in tariffs, which until now stood at 27.5%, to 15%. This measure is conditional on Washington granting preferential access to its market by eliminating tariffs on US fishery and agricultural products, including nuts, dairy products, fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, processed foods, seeds, soybean oil, and pork and bison.
