American Winemakers in Opposition to Tariffs on EU Wines.

We, the undersigned American Winemakers, are in opposition to the tariffs proposed by the USTR in Trade Disputes USTR 2019-0003 and 2019-0009.
We call on United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to stop these proposed tariffs and for members of congress to publicly comment on Trade Disputes USTR 2019-0003 and 2019-0009 asking the US Trade Representative to stop or stay these tariffs, until a hearing can be held to assess the effectiveness of the tariffs and their impact on the US economy- especially the Food and Beverage industry.

While on the surface these tariffs would seemingly benefit our businesses, we strongly assert that these benefits will be mitigated by the devastating effects these tariffs will have on our customers: ten of thousands of independent restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers around the country. 

American wineries depend on distributors to sell their wines to retailers and restaurants around the country. This distribution system is mandated by law and is known as the “3-tier system.” American wineries cannot sell directly to restaurants and retailers in other states, we are required by law to assign a distributor in each state.  Many, if not all of these distributors also represent imported wines, they would be directly and severely impacted by this tariff and American wineries would suffer as a result. The success of American winemakers and wineries is dependent upon the health of this distribution network.
 
Many wines from the European Union are irreplaceable by American wines or wines from other regions.  They provide crucial revenue and profit for our customers and their loss in the market will result in fewer outlets for our wines via the closure of many small businesses.The ripple effects will reach well beyond the wine industry as well and effect travel, tourism and any job associated with the shipping and handling of imported goods.

The economic ramifications of these tariffs are severe enough, but these tariffs will also result in a meaningful loss of cultural commerce and cooperation in an industry built on friendship and cooperation.  Jeopardizing countless jobs, decades old relationships, and small businesses is not a fair way to settle international trade disputes. 

These tariffs are also likely to prove ineffective if the goal is to detrimentally effect the EU countries.  While the United States is a valuable trade partner and tens of thousands of American owned businesses benefit from the trade of these products, the EU wine industry has many other outlets for their wines- especially Asian markets.

Please sign this petition and identify your winery in the comments.