Lawmakers Urge USTR To Help Boost Wine Exports

Over 60 members of Congress, led by California Representative Mike Thompson and Washington Representative Dan Newhouse, have petitioned the U.S. Trade Representative to dedicate additional resources to helping American wineries reach new consumers abroad, particularly in markets like India, China, and Vietnam. In a letter sent to ambassador Katherine Tai, the lawmakers note that “many of these countries present numerous trade challenges that greatly increase the cost of entering the market. At the same time, competitors from wine producing regions are gaining favorable market access terms through trade agreements.”

For example, American wines in India face a 150% tariff, a 50% tariff in Vietnam, and a 54% tariff in China, while competitors from Australia, New Zealand, and the EU have negotiated more favorable terms for their wines. The letter implores the Trade Representative to make “targeted efforts to address the competitive disadvantage faced by U.S. wine producers” in these markets. “Despite some recent recovery, U.S. wine exports are still well below their peak of $1.62 billion in 2016,” the lawmakers added, noting that tariff activity and the pandemic has contributed to a tougher global wine market in recent years.—Shane English

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