Article

The recent trade agreement between the U.S. and the European Union exempts cork from a 15% tariff on most EU products, benefiting Portugal, the world’s largest cork producer. The exemption comes after lobbying efforts by Portuguese diplomats and U.S. wine industry representatives.

Cork, primarily harvested from cork oak trees, has various applications, including wine stoppers and thermal protection for rockets. Despite the U.S. never developing a cork industry, the demand for natural cork stoppers is rising among U.S. winemakers, reversing a trend towards alternative closures.