US EditionPortugal's Cork Won a Rare Trump Tariff Exemption Thanks to Lobbying on Both Sides of the Atlantic
Cork exemption supports sustainable wine industry with 64.5% of premium U.S. wines using cork stoppers; lobbying by Portuguese and U.S. wine groups was key.
- On Sept. 1, cork was exempted from U.S. tariffs, joining a small group of EU products spared, and U.S. winemakers welcomed this relief, AP reported from Rio Frio, Portugal.
- Patrick Spencer raced to Washington in June to explain cork's origins and seek a tariff reprieve, while Portuguese diplomats and The Wine Institute lobbied on both sides of the Atlantic.
- Trade data show the U.S. imported $241,000,000 of cork from Portugal in 2023, with just over 70% arriving as stoppers; Portugal supplies about half of global cork production.
- Industry advocates celebrated as the exemption preserves sustainable harvesting and biodegradability, supporting U.S. winemakers and Europe's highest-paid cork harvesters.
- Premium wine trends show use of cork in premium U.S. wines rose from 53% in 2010 to 64.50% by 2022, and NASA and SpaceX have used cork for thermal protection on rockets.
43 Articles
43 Articles
Portugal's cork won a rare Trump tariff exemption thanks to lobbying on both sides of the Atlantic (World)
Cork comes from the spongy bark of the cork oak tree, which is primarily grown and harvested in the Mediterranean basin. The framework trade agreement between the United States and the European Union singled out the material as an 'unavailable natural product.' So as of Sept. 1, cork joined a handfu...
Portugal's cork won rare Trump tariff exemption thanks to lobbying on both sides of Atlantic
If the tariffs stay in place, cork may signal other exemptions to come. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated during a July interview with CNBC that natural products like mangoes or cocoa may be free from tariffs.
Associated Press News
The cork in your wine bottle is one of very few products that dodged Trump's tariffs
U.S. winemakers have something to celebrate: the corks they’re popping aren’t subject to tariffs. The framework trade agreement between the United States and the European Union singled out the material as an “unavailable natural product.”
Cork sector celebrates US decision to exempt cork from tariffs
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