The French wine and spirits exporters' federation (FEVS) reported a significant drop in exports of French wines and spirits to the United States, which is the largest importer of these products, accounting for 21% of the total export market last year. They attributed this decline, approximately 21%, to the tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which started at 10% and increased to 15% for European alcoholic beverages in 2025. These tariffs, alongside geopolitical tensions and currency fluctuations, have created an adverse market environment for French products.

FEVS President Gabriel Picard noted that factors such as geopolitical tensions, commercial conflicts, fluctuating exchange rates, and diminished household confidence have all negatively impacted exports. The organization also cited economic uncertainty affecting consumer spending and wholesalers stockpiling inventory as contributing factors to the decline. Overall, the value of French wine and spirit exports fell by 7.9% to 14.3 billion euros, further highlighting the challenges faced by exporters in this competitive market.

This decline in exports may have broader implications for the French economy, particularly given the essential role the wine and spirits sector plays in national and regional economies. The situation underscores the fragility of international trade relations and the potential long-term effects domestic policies, like tariffs, can have on foreign markets. With U.S. tariffs in place, the French wine and spirits industry may need to explore new markets or innovate in packaging and marketing to regain lost ground in the lucrative U.S. market, while also coping with ongoing economic uncertainties.