See the Glass as Half Empty or Half Full

One way to stay positive endures this uncertain turbulence

I must begin by saying that it is with great sadness that I note that our deep friendship and long-standing collaboration between our three North American countries was jeopardized on March 5 by a simple signature by the U.S. President. Regardless of the justifications and reasons that led our government for the second time in less than six years to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian products imported into the United States, this action has and will have for a very long time enormous consequences on our American wine and wine economy. Let us not be blind and disillusioned by the consequences and reprimands that our neighbors will apply to counterbalance the attack. Complete elimination of American alcoholic products on the shelves, the halt of Canadian and Mexican (and European) wine tourism, the boycott of our artisanal products on the wine lists of foreign restaurants—this is only a very small part of the snowball and domino effect that this decision will bring to our economy.

According to data from John Dunham and Associates (JDA), they are forecasting a loss of U.S. economic output of $2.7 billion due to the 25% tariffs on exported wines and spirits alone. Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) has released the new Critical Economic Results that detail the serious consequences for American businesses, jobs, and consumers. In addition to the consequences on our wine markets, according to JDA the 25% customs duties on Mexican and Canadian wines and spirits will lead to the loss of 17,000 American jobs directly related to this industry in the coming months.

The first tariffs of 2019 were imposed in a strong economy in which consumers were not struggling with the inflationary pressures that we are seeing today. While they were disruptive, the U.S. economy was able to adjust and absorb the impact on the entire industry in order to maintain market stability. However, “the situation is now markedly different," said Dina Opici, WSWA President and President of Opici Family Distributing. "Any new tariff on wines and spirits in the current economic climate would be extremely disruptive... The entire industry, from suppliers and importers to distributors and retailers, is under immense pressure, with little room to absorb or spread the cost of the additional tariffs. Passing on these costs to consumers would only exacerbate the already fragile state of the wine market, leading to further deterioration.” These consequences could be the destabilization and loss of hundreds of small craftsmen who produce quality wine. The consequence for us consumers would be more industrial and mass-produced American wines on the shelves, rather than artisan wine. Our choices about our freedom to choose healthy products (without chemicals and synthetics), to choose to support eco-responsible farmers, to have a direct impact on the future of our planet and on the future of our children, will be annihilated. We will then live in an autocracy of wine.

Let's be positive and commit to the solution together.

Do not choose the most disastrous solution, which would be to support and buy products (Wines and Alcohol) from foreign countries, such as those in Europe, South America, Mexico or Canada, to express your anger and disagreement. This only enriches the coffers of the American federal state, and by the same token redistributes that money to the richest. This would also accelerate the disappearance of our small American winegrowers, and the entire economy related to them.

So more than ever, choose quality domestic products that reflect your beliefs and your "true patriotism". Know that we will do everything in Bonde to spend these disturbing moments with you, and make it possible again and again have more than 95% of our wine made from American vineyards by artisan winemakers. Come, buy, and support us and our small business as we are the proud frontline representatives of our people. Don't let the "To*%! W!#e" or the "C*$^@*" lead our choices and our economy.

Thank you and health to prosperity.