Europe’s food and drink industry disappointed with US announcement of 30% import tariff

FoodDrinkEurope is deeply concerned and disappointed by the recent announcement by the US to impose a 30% tariff on EU imports, effective 1 August 2025. While this unexpected and unilateral measure adds to the uncertainty for businesses operating in one of the world's most integrated trade relationships, there is still time to pursue a constructive, balanced solution.

Further escalation in the form of additional tariffs would seriously jeopardise the €27.9 billion EU food and drink trade with the US - the EU's second-largest export market - harming European producers and farmers, while raising costs and limiting choices for American businesses and consumers.

The EU food and drink industry is a major driver of growth, employment, and innovation, with significant investments from EU and US companies in both regions. The two-way trade in agri-food raw materials, ingredients, and finished products - valued at €40 billion - underscores the critical importance of this relationship, one that ensures supply chain resilience, supports jobs and rural communities, and meets the diverse consumer needs on both sides of the Atlantic.

We reiterate our call for the de-escalation of trade tensions and welcome the EU's commitment to reach a negotiated outcome with the US as soon as possible. It is essential that both sides prioritise constructive dialogue to find solutions that safeguard the integrity of our long-standing, mutually beneficial transatlantic trade relationship - and that ensures stability and predictability for businesses.