NEWS

Ever since President Trump’s first round in the Oval Office, the back-and-forth of various trade wars has made headlines. All throughout, the beverage and alcohol industry has been firmly lodged in the center of the conflict.

The first blow came in 2018. Triggered by a breakdown of talks over steel and aluminum, the European Union imposed a retaliatory tariff on American whiskey. In response, the U.S. government, led by President Trump, announced a series of sky-high retaliatory tariffs, many of which take aim at U.K.– and E.U.-produced alcohol.

Champagne producers, whisk(e)y distillers, restaurateurs, and importers on both sides of the Atlantic are still feeling the repercussions.

Despite the widespread damage, the tariff conversation came back around with Trump’s third run for president. As soon as he returned to the Oval Office in early 2025, he turned up the heat, with official announcements declaring 25%, 50%, and 200% tariffs.

Through this all, Scotch producers, Champagne makers, Bourbon distillers, Mexican tequileros, and the importers, sellers, and drinkers of all of the above have been subjected to an ongoing period of negotiating, pivoting, worrying, and navigating chaos.

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