Trump's Tariffs Threaten French Wine Industry: Exporters Express Deep Concern

French Exporters On Edge as Trump's Tariffs Loom May 24, 2025 - The threat of 50% tariffs on French goods, announced by former US President Donald Trump, has sent shockwaves through French exporting industries. Winemakers, in particular, are deeply concerned about the impact on their businesses. "A 50% tax will really hurt the wine industry," says Cyril Mares, President of the AOC Costières de Nîmes and winemaker at Mas Carlos. "It's the limit of what's feasible." Mares' comments highlight the precarious position of French wine exporters who rely heavily on the US market. The video also includes an interview with Baptiste Reybier, CEO of Fermob, a French outdoor furniture manufacturer. Reybier expresses skepticism about the tariffs, stating that while he doesn't believe they will be implemented, "it seems highly improbable that we will reach these levels." His response reveals a cautious optimism among businesses bracing for potential economic fallout. The European Commission has declined to comment on the escalating trade dispute, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation. The video's footage of vineyards and factories visually underscores the widespread impact of the potential tariffs, affecting not only winemakers but various sectors of the French economy. The situation remains tense, awaiting further developments from the US government.