Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

US senators seek removal of tariffs on EU F&B products including Scotch whisky

A bipartisan group of 13 US senators have asked the US Trade Representative's Office (USTR) to remove 25 per cent tariffs imposed in October 2019 on European Union food, wine and spirits, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

The tariffs, in retaliation for EU subsidies on large aircraft, hit French wine, Italian cheese and single-malt Scotch whisky, as well as cookies, salami, yogurt, olives from France, EU-produced pork sausage and German coffee.


Seven Republican and six Democratic senators said in a letter to USTR Friday that American "restaurants, retailers, grocers, importers and distributors" are experiencing "severe economic hardship due to the increased cost of goods."

The senators noted "demand for these goods has declined, leaving importers and distributors with months’ worth of product, much of it perishable, in storage and in transit with no clear end date for the COVID-19 pandemic."

USTR did not immediately comment.

Last month, Europe's Airbus said it would increase loan repayments to France and Spain in a "final" bid to reverse US tariffs and jog the United States into settling a 16-year-old dispute over billions of dollars of aircraft subsidies.

The US last year won World Trade Organization authorization to impose tariffs on up to $7.5 billion (£5.76 billion) of EU goods.

The US Distilled Spirits Council last month urged ending EU and US beverage tariffs, saying drinks firms on both sides of the Atlantic "have suffered enough."

The group noted Scotch whisky imports by the US fell nearly 33 per cent between October 2019 and May 2020, a $378 million (£290 million) decline over the same period a year earlier.

The UK has in the meanwhile left the EU on 31 January 2020, and is holding discussions with the US for a free trade agreement.

The EU in a separate dispute imposed 25 per cent tariffs  on all US whiskey imports in June 2018. Since then, US whiskey exports to the EU have fallen by 33 per cent, or $300 million, the group said.

Trade groups are bracing for an escalation this autumn when the EU is expected to win WTO approval to retaliate with its own tariffs over subsidies for US planemaker Boeing.

USTR announced in June it was considering imposing additional tariffs on products from many EU countries including gin, vodka, beer, sparkling wine and other whiskies.

More for you

The Dougall Group

The Dougall Group

The Dougall Group extends established partnership with Nisa for five more years

The Dougall Group has reaffirmed its commitment to providing top-quality products and service by renewing its supply contract with Nisa for an additional five years.

The renewed partnership ensures that four Dougall Group stores will continue to benefit from Nisa’s extensive product range, including exclusive access to Co-op own-brand items and flexible support designed to empower independent retailers to meet local customer needs.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shoppers urged to show 'Christmas kindness'

Getty images

Shoppers urged to show 'Christmas kindness'

Scottish Retail Consortium and trade union Usdaw have released a joint appeal to the public to be kind and considerate to all retail workers and fellow customers when doing their shopping this Christmas and play their part in creating a safe and enjoyable retail experience.

The plea comes as abuse and violence towards those in customer service continues to climb, with a recent Usdaw survey showing that in the last 12 months, 69 per cent of retail staff experienced verbal abuse, and 45 per cent have been threatened by a customer.

Keep ReadingShow less
Typhoo Tea

Typhoo Tea

Typhoo Tea seeks rescue solutions

Typhoo Tea, one of Britain’s oldest tea companies, is teetering on the edge of administration after enduring years of challenges, including a costly break-in at its Wirral factory.

According to court filings made on Thursday, Typhoo has filed a notice to appoint administrators. This move allows companies temporary protection from creditors while exploring options to address their debts.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rachel Reeves

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves visits the Cambridge Biomedical Campus on November 1, 2024 in Cambridge, England

Photo by Hollie Adams - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Economy contracts in September in blow to Reeves' growth push

Britain's economy contracted unexpectedly in September and growth slowed to a crawl over the third quarter, data showed on Friday, an early setback for chancellor Rachel Reeves' ambitions to kick-start a sustained pickup.

Gross domestic product slipped by 0.1 per cent in monthly terms during September as the services sector flat-lined, while manufacturing and construction dropped, the Office for National Statistics said.

Keep ReadingShow less
iStock 1198532577
Photo: iStock

'Most shoppers want personalised schemes as appetite for offers grows'

Shoppers are becoming increasingly discerning when it comes to winning their loyalty with most now expect offers to be personalised while appetite for offers has grown over the last 12 months, shows a recent survey's findings.

In a new research from American Express, the survey of both UK consumers and retail decision makers reinforced that generic offers and incentives are not enough to win over new customers, and don’t positively impact long term loyalty.

Keep ReadingShow less