Wine Institute Welcomes Progress in Japan Trade Talks

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wine Institute issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s announcement over the weekend that U.S. and Japanese trade negotiators have reached an agreement in principle that would reduce tariffs on agricultural products including wine.

“Japan is a vitally important market for U.S. wineries, and we are currently the only major wine-producing country paying a 15% tariff there. We are pleased with this progress towards reducing that tariff and leveling the playing field,” said Bobby Koch, President and CEO of Wine Institute. “We look forward to the administration and Japan reaching a full-scale agreement that includes immediate tariff elimination and key non-tariff provisions such as a Wine and Spirits Annex similar to what was included in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.”

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of nearly 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy that enhances the environment to responsibly produce, promote and enjoy wine. For more information, visit www.wineinstitute.org.