To confront the trade war waged by Donald Trump, several countries and organizations are revising the terms of their trade agreements.
Recently, the United Kingdom and the European Union announced they would ease certain trade barriers.
However, the tax hikes pushed by the United States are having a significant impact on the French wine sector. This is particularly the case in Ramatuelle, in the south of France.
SHOTLIST
(In the Var region, in Ramatuelle, Stephen Roberts is assessing his upcoming grape harvest.)
– SOUNDBITE (French) Stephen Roberts – Winemaker, Domaine de Foudugues Praduges: “It was incredible this year. You’re not supposed to say that—farmers never say that—but I have a good feeling about this year.”
– VS Winemaker
– SOUNDBITE (French) Stephen Roberts – Winemaker, Domaine de Foudugues Praduges: “It’ll grow up to here, and then we’ll start some bud thinning, removing the extra leaves so it stays well ventilated.”
(He produces rosé, white, and red wines, which he sells locally, across Europe, and also in his home country—the United States.)
– VS Vineyard
– SOUNDBITE (French) Stephen Roberts – Winemaker – Domaine de Foudugues Praduges: “Normally, it’s pretty easy, because there’s a long history between France and the U.S. when it comes to wine trade. The networks are well established—until recently.”
– VS Bottles of wine
(Since March 13, the American president has targeted European wines and spirits, threatening to increase tariffs by 200%. For some bottles, this could mean an extra $10 to $15 in export costs.)
(Trump later took a step back, first announcing a 20% increase, then 10%, adding that he would allow a 90-day period to decide the fate of this flagship French product.)
– SOUNDBITE (French) Stephen Roberts Winemaker, Domaine de Foudugues Praduges: “It’s a huge, huge market for Provence rosé. For us, a bit less. But right now, the importers aren’t responding to emails. Total radio silence.”
(Let’s head to a cooperative winery that brings together 133 vineyard owners from the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.)
– VS Bottles of wine
– SOUNDBITE (French) Alain Guichet, General Director and Oenologist, Cave Tropez: “We had 8 to 10 containers scheduled, representing between 150,000 and 180,000 bottles waiting to be shipped. There’s concern about the tariffs that have been put in place.”
“There’s concern about whether or not he’ll be able to sell, and concern for the very survival of the importer. Meaning, if he can no longer make a living from importing, it means his business disappears. He would be forced to change professions.”
– VS Bottles of wine