Greek winemakers are confronting significant challenges following the Trump administration’s escalating tariff threats on European Union exports, raising concerns about potential disruptions to a vital export market.
May and June mark the critical period for grape blooming and fruit-bearing in Greece, a time when wine producers typically focus on agricultural output. However, recent developments in U.S. trade policy have cast a shadow over the industry’s prospects.
The United States is Greece’s second-largest export market for wine, accounting for approximately 17 percent of total Greek wine exports. Domaine Costa Lazaridi S.A., a prominent winery located in the northern suburbs of Athens, exports about 40 percent of its 1.1 million bottles annually, with the U.S. representing a key destination.
“The United States is one of our main markets because there are a lot of Greeks living and working there who support our products through restaurants and wholesale businesses,” said George Lazaridis, head of the winery.
In March, then-President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 200-percent tariff on all EU alcohol imports. By April, the administration introduced a so-called “reciprocal tariff” policy, setting a 20-percent tariff on goods from the EU. More recently, Trump proposed increasing the rate to 50 percent due to stalled negotiations with the European bloc, though implementation has been delayed until July 9.
The fluctuating trade policy has created considerable anxiety among Greek wine producers. “We live in big fear for the future,” said Lazaridis. “With this high input of tariffs, we will not be able to absorb it, even with significant adjustments.”
Unlike staple agricultural goods such as edible oils, vegetables, and fruits—where price increases are often passed on to consumers—wine is considered a discretionary product. Lazaridis noted that American consumers facing higher costs for essential goods may become more reluctant to spend on imported wines.
“As these tariffs affect U.S. citizens, their spending on necessities will increase, and they may become hesitant to purchase premium Greek wine,” he explained.
To mitigate the potential impact, Greek winemakers are actively seeking to expand their presence in alternative markets, particularly within Europe and Asia. However, the scale and importance of the U.S. market present a difficult challenge.
“Now that we see these tariffs coming into effect, we will take action even faster,” Lazaridis added. “We’ll try to find new markets as quickly as possible to avoid a significant drop in sales.”
The broader implications of the U.S. tariffs are also fueling concerns within the EU wine industry. Increased competition from major wine-producing nations such as France, Italy, and Spain could make it harder for Greek producers to maintain or expand their market share in other regions, intensifying the pressure on a sector already grappling with economic uncertainty.
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