Wine Institute Applauds Progress in U.S.-Canada Trade Negotiations; Calls for Full Market Access

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wine Institute released the following statement from President and CEO Robert P. Koch in response to recent progress in U.S.–Canada trade negotiations and Canadian Prime Minister Carney’s announcement that Canada will remove all tariffs on U.S. goods covered under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, including wine. Wineries across the country continue to suffer economic harm from province-wide bans on U.S. wine sales. Since early March, wine, beer and spirits have been the only U.S. products completely barred from entering and being sold in the Canadian market. Before these restrictions, Canada accounted for 35% of all U.S. wine exports, with a retail value of more than $1.1 billion.  

 “We’re encouraged by the recent engagement from President Trump and Prime Minister Carney and today’s announcement that Canada will be removing its tariff on U.S. wine. This is an important first step in putting U.S. wines back on equal footing with imports from all other major wine regions.  

“But the job isn’t finished yet. Provincial sales bans are still blocking U.S. wines from reaching Canadian shelves across most of Canada. Lifting these remaining barriers would bring relief to U.S. wineries that have been shut out of this important market and also allow Canadian wine lovers to once again enjoy their favorite American wines. We urge both governments to make that happen quickly.”