The United States will impose a 15% tariff on wine and spirits imported from the European Union starting 1 August, an EU spokesperson said on Thursday. The levy will remain in place until Washington and Brussels conclude negotiations on a broader agreement covering the sector. The move adds another flashpoint to trans-Atlantic trade relations and has prompted lobbying from EU member states, including France and Italy, that are seeking exemptions for their producers. Talks between the two sides are continuing, but officials gave no timeline for a settlement.