Beyond Borders: Trade Barriers and Tariffs in 2026

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In 2026, global trade dynamics continue to evolve rapidly, with significant impacts on wine export flows. Trade agreements, tariffs, non-tariff measures, and logistics costs are reshaping profit margins and competitiveness across key markets. For wineries and distributors operating internationally, staying informed is no longer optional—it is an operational necessity.

Tariffs and trade barriers: a global overview
At a macro level, international trade is increasingly shaped by a tension between protectionist measures and efforts toward liberalization. On one hand, governments are reassessing tariff barriers in response to domestic economic pressures; on the other, multilateral agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in Asia aim to gradually reduce tariffs on more than 65% of goods traded within the bloc, facilitating intra-regional commerce.[1]

This duality creates an environment in which exporting a product such as wine can be affected by a combination of direct customs tariffs and non-tariff measures (e.g., sanitary requirements, technical standards, customs clearance times), all of which can increase costs and complexity even when tariffs themselves remain unchanged. [2]

United Kingdom: post-Brexit costs and rising excise duties
In the United Kingdom, post-Brexit policies continue to influence alcohol trade. Even when not directly linked to new customs tariffs, alcohol excise duties are indexed annually to inflation, increasing costs for importers, distributors, and consumers.[3] As a result, imported wine can reach the retail shelf at a significantly higher price compared to pre-2021 levels, even in the absence of additional customs duties. Keeping track of fiscal updates is essential for accurate price forecasting and margin protection.

United States: tariffs, uncertainty, and margin pressure
The United States remains one of the most influential markets for imported wine, and also one of the most volatile from a tariff perspective. In 2025, a framework agreement between the U.S. and the European Union introduced a 15% baseline tariff on EU goods, including wine.[4] Industry analysis suggests that this 15% tariff can turn a €15 ex-cellar or landed bottle into a retail product priced 20–25% higher than before, once distribution mark-ups and taxes are applied.[5] This uncertainty has driven behaviors such as front-loading shipments and temporary order freezes, as importers attempt to hedge against further tariff changes. In some cases, wine flows have slowed due to the risk of unexpected cost increases.

Mexico: USMCA advantages and indirect tariff effects
In Mexico, direct tariffs on wine imported from USMCA member countries (the United States and Canada) generally remain low or exempt under the free-trade framework.[6] However, broader tariff policies applied to other imported goods highlight how trade tensions between major economic blocs can have indirect effects on wine exports, particularly through higher costs for packaging materials, logistics services, or related inputs.

Southeast Asia: diversification and regional integration
Southeast Asia represents one of the fastest growing macro-regions for wine exports. Many countries in the area participate in RCEP, signaling a long-term reduction of intra-regional tariff barriers and improved efficiency across regional supply chains. At the same time, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has emphasized the need to reduce non-tariff barriers in Asia to counter the effects of global protectionism and sustain regional economic growth.[7]

 Operational strategies for exporters in 2026
Within this complex landscape, wine producers and exporters should adopt proactive strategies:

1. Continuous tariff monitoring: integrate up-to-date trade intelligence into annual commercial planning.

2. Market diversification: reduce dependency on one or two markets to mitigate the impact of political or tariff shocks.

3. Supply-chain optimization: manage logistics costs and customs procedures to minimize delays and additional charges.

4. Leveraging trade agreements: fully utilize preferential regimes such as USMCA, RCEP, and bilateral agreements to reduce duties and accelerate market access.

[1] Wikipedia, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, URL: en.wikipedia.org

[2] Cole G., Tariffs in 2026: How new trade rules impact your business, URL: avalara.com (01.15.2026)

[3] Masala F., Balogun B., Steibahl S., Harker R., Keep M., Alchol duty: current policy developments, URL: commonslibrary.parliament.uk (01.05.2026)

[4] Feilden E., What the US-EU trade deal means for drinks firms, URL: thedrinkbusiness.com (07.29.2025)

[5][5] Wine News, Impact of duties and new consumers to be intercepted: 2026 forecasts of US wine market., URL: winenews.it (01.12.2026)

[6] Townsend T., Goren E.D., Stagg C., Childress T.P, Connor L.S., Jin X.S., Levitt M., Dumbacher B., Internatinoal trade 2026, URL: practiceguides.chambers.com (12.16.2025)

[7] Kihara L., IMF urges Asia to cut trade barriers to beat US tariffs, URL: reuters.com (10.23.2025)