The Comité Champagne urges French senators to reconsider a higher digital services tax, fearing US reprisals against wine and spirits.
The French Senate begins its examination of the 2026 finance bill on 28 November 2025. As deputies have already done in the National Assembly, several senators want to raise the digital services tax (TSN), which chiefly hits large American technology firms. The Comité Champagne in Épernay fears the knock-on effects for its own sector.
In the committee's view, a response from Washington would be almost certain. Champagne is already struggling with the additional 15% US tariff and an unfavourable exchange rate. David Chatillon, co-president of the Comité, said: "We are pinning a target to the back of the wine sector."
Gabriel Picard, president of the national exporters' federation FEVS, points to a list drawn up in 2020. The United States prepared it in response to the introduction of the TSN, providing for extra duties of 25% on certain products. He says it is ready for use and could be widened to cover more French goods if the tax rises. Picard adds that American politicians and companies are already urging President Trump to act, and that in the end French consumers would bear the cost of the tax.
Chatillon, his fellow co-president Maxime Toubart and Picard jointly call on parliamentarians not to sacrifice jobs, exports and vineyards.
Source: Comité Champagne
