Washington D.C., December 11, 2024 – Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) yesterday convened industry leaders for an engaging and urgent discussion during the webinar “Navigating Trade Challenges" to address the potential economic and market implications of proposed tariffs on imported wine and spirits. Panelists highlighted the stakes for the United States beverage alcohol industry and the ripple effect such measures could have on American businesses and consumers.
WATCH A RECORDING OF THE WEBINAR
Expert Panelists:
- Dina Opici, President, Opici Family Distributing & WSWA Chairwoman
- Theo Koebel, Executive Vice President of Portfolio Management, Winebow
- Michael Correra, Executive Director, Metropolitan Package Store Association
- Dawson Hobbs, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, WSWA
Newly released data from John Dunham and Associates shared by the panel underscores the impact of blanket tariffs at 10-30% on all imported wine and spirits as well as a focused look at the impact of the proposed 25% tariff on Mexican goods into the U.S. market.
10% Tariff | 20% Tariff | 30% Tariff | |
| Jobs Lost | 12,000 | 60,000 | 91,000 |
| Wages Lost | $644 million | $3.2 billion | $4.9 billion |
| Tax Revenue Lost | $116.6 million | $2.9 billion | $4.6 billion |
| Economic Output Lost | $1.9 billion | $9.9 billion | $14.9 billion |
Tequila, a single-origin imported product facing proposed 25% tariffs under the new administration, is one of the only drivers of growth in the U.S. spirits marketplace and makes up 13% of all spirits sold by volume in the United States, according to WSWA’s SipSource (October 2024).
25% Tariff on Mexican Wine & Spirits | |
| Jobs Lost | 14,000 |
| Wages Lost | $774 million |
| Tax Revenue Lost | $1.3 billion |
| Economic Output Lost | $2.5 billion |
“While these tariffs are designed to protect American industries and jobs, the unique nature of the wine and spirits sector means their unintended consequences could achieve the opposite. Tariffs on imported wine and spirits directly threaten thousands of jobs within the U.S. distribution, retail, and hospitality industries, which rely heavily on these products. I urge policymakers to reconsider and recognize the far-reaching impact these tariffs have on American businesses and workers across the supply chain,” said WSWA Chairwoman Dina Opici.
“Tariffs send shockwaves through our industry, impacting every link in the chain—from bars and restaurants to liquor stores and the hardworking truck drivers who deliver these products. In today’s economic climate, where consumers are already stretched thin and inventories remain high, these price increases could prove devastating. At the end of the day, tariffs don’t just hurt businesses—they hurt the customers we serve, particularly when it comes to premium products. We need solutions that protect the livelihoods of everyone involved in this industry while ensuring consumers can continue to access the products they love,” said Executive Director, Metropolitan Package Store Association Michael Correra.
“The U.S. wine and spirits industry is facing significant pressures that threaten the ecosystem supporting producers, wholesalers, and retailers of all sizes. Tariffs not only jeopardize access to the marketplace but also strain relationships across the supply chain. It is critical for all industry players—domestic and international—to unite, collaborate with partners, and advocate for solutions that support growth, diversification, and resilience. A strong wholesale tier is essential for ensuring that high-quality products reach American consumers and for sustaining the livelihoods of countless American families,” said Executive Vice President of Portfolio Management at Winebow Theo Koebel.
"While we understand tariffs are used as leverage in international negotiations, in the wine and spirits industry, the brunt of these policies is felt by U.S.-based importers, wholesalers, and retailers who face higher costs that must be passed down the line. This has ripple effects across the hospitality sector, where restaurants depend on alcohol sales to stay afloat. If policymakers aim to influence foreign trade practices, they must adopt strategies that directly impact those foreign economies without harming American workers, businesses, and consumers in the process," said WSWA Executive Vice President, Government Affairs Dawson Hobbs.
WSWA will continue to work with coalition partners across the wine and spirits supply chain to oppose these tariffs. The association underscores the importance of fostering a globally interconnected industry and preserving the mutual recognition of foreign-origin and U.S. wine and spirits products.
To watch the “Navigating Trade Challenges" explore key takeaways and view additional resources, click HERE.