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Orlando Wine Bar Owners Express Concerns Over Tariffs

Local wine bar in Orlando reflecting the community’s love for wine.

News Summary

Orlando’s wine bar owners are worried about the proposed tariffs under the Trump administration. They fear these could harm small businesses, increase prices, and limit selections for consumers. With a potential range of tariffs from 10% to over 60%, local wine entrepreneurs are rallying together to voice their opposition and highlight the negative impact these tariffs could have on their community.

Orlando Wine Bar Owners Voice Concerns Over Proposed Tariffs

In the sunny city of Orlando, there’s a growing sense of unease among local wine bar owners as they brace for a potential economic storm. With President-elect Donald Trump set to increase tariffs on most imported foreign goods, many in the wine industry worry about how this could impact their businesses.

The Administration’s Plan and Its Impact on Small Businesses

As the new administration approaches, higher tariffs—ranging anywhere from 10 to 20 percent on most foreign products and skyrocketing to more than 60 percent on goods from China—are being proposed. While Trump frames this strategy as an effort to bolster American manufacturers, wine industry professionals assert that these tariffs may do more harm than good, particularly to small U.S. wine businesses.

One notable figure in the discussions is Ben Aneff, managing partner at Tribeca Wine Merchants, who also serves as the president of the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance. He emphasizes that imposing tariffs on wine will ultimately hurt small businesses in the U.S. much more than foreign producers in countries like France, Italy, or Germany. According to industry data, for every dollar spent on European wine, U.S. businesses generate a whopping $4.52, highlighting an economic model that suggests tariffs could backfire.

The Anxiety in Orlando’s Wine Scene

Among those feeling the pressure is Heather LaVine, owner of Quicksand, a cozy Orlando wine bar. She worries about the disruptions tariffs could bring to her business, suggesting that only large corporations have the capacity to absorb such costs. This concern raises fears of more corporate monopolies in the wine industry, which could take away from the unique, small business atmosphere that local enthusiasts cherish.

Rob Chase, who runs Digress Wine Bar, shares similar worries. He highlights that increased tariff costs may lead to noticeably higher prices and a reduced selection for consumers, impacting their overall experience. With a staff of about 11 employees to support, Chase is particularly concerned about the possible need for layoffs if the tariffs come into effect.

Organizing Against the Tariffs

In a show of unity, nearly 500 members of the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance recently participated in a Zoom call to discuss strategies to combat the proposed tariffs. During this meeting, treasurer Harmon Skurnik pointed out a crucial fact—it’s the American businesses and consumers who end up footing the bill for tariffs, not foreign producers. This shared concern reflects a broader anxiety about the implications tariffs could have for the local economy and consumers alike.

As history shows, these tariffs aren’t a new phenomenon. Trump previously enacted 25 percent tariffs on various European wines back in 2019, aiming to sanction the EU for supporting the French aerospace company Airbus. That move was eventually rolled back by the Biden administration in 2021 after about 18 months, but its shadow still looms large over the present discussions.

The Ecosystem of the Wine Industry

Aneff paints a vivid picture of the U.S. wine industry as a delicate ecosystem where the health of all participants is mutually dependent. This interconnectedness means that the repercussions of tariffs could ring far and wide, affecting not just importers and retailers, but also consumers who enjoy trying wines from regions like Champagne and Burgundy.

Chase recalls the struggles he faced during the previous tariff implementation, which pushed him and his partner to the brink financially. Despite these challenges, Digress Wine Bar has managed to bounce back, becoming a popular spot once more after the pandemic’s initial challenges. Yet, as the industry braces for potentially more turmoil, both Aneff and the Wine Trade Alliance are actively engaging with lawmakers to elucidate the detrimental impacts of tariffs on their sector.

The Road Ahead

As the legislative process surrounding these proposed tariffs unfolds, one thing is clear: the stakes are high for Orlando’s wine entrepreneurs and their dedicated customer base. With the future of their businesses hanging in the balance, the local wine scene is rallying to voice their concerns, hoping to safeguard what they love amid an uncertain economic landscape.

The Orlando wine community is standing together, ready to advocate for their place in the thriving world of wine. Whether it’s through creative strategies or simply gathering their voices, they are committed to navigating the challenges that lie ahead.