The head of France’s wine and spirits lobby, FEVS, called the recent pause on most U.S. tariffs “half good news” for the industry.

Nicolas Ozanam, speaking to Reuters on Thursday, said the decision by former U.S. President Donald Trump means French exporters can now ship products at a 10% customs duty instead of 20%—putting them on equal footing with other international suppliers.

However, Ozanam warned that logistics remain a challenge, noting, “We have a 90-day window, and many will want to ship early to build up stock and respond faster to demand.”

He also emphasized that the sector still faces economic pressure despite the partial relief. “With inflation and a weakening dollar, even a 10% duty will push up prices and likely lead to reduced consumption in the U.S.,” he said. Photo by By: User:PRA, Wikimedia commons.