It’s July, the grills are hot, chicken wings are flying off the plates, and—believe it or not—we’re talking tariffs too. Fear not, however, as we’re going to make it spicy and simple. This story combines everything you adore: food, flavor, and a pinch of international trade conflict between President Donald Trump and the European Union.
While Trump’s 15% tariffs on EU imports hit a slew of well-liked European products, three fan-favorite products were lucky enough to dodge the tax bullet. Curious to know what they are? Hold on. But first, a bit of fun with wings!
National chicken wing day: A tasty distraction
Before we get to the trade talk, let’s give some love to National Chicken Wing Day — the holiday you never knew you needed. Born in Buffalo, New York, back in 1977 (thanks to Mayor Stan Makowski), this saucy holiday has grown into a national obsession.
In the past year alone, Americans ordered more than 1.2 billion servings of wings! That’s a lot of napkins.
And even as prices are up 2.4%, wing enthusiasts can still save a bundle thanks to meaty deals from big chains like Buffalo Wild Wings, Wingstop, Popeyes, and more. Boneless, bone-in, or drenched in Mango Habanero, there’s something for everyone.
But what does any of this have to do with tariffs? Let’s land this bird.
So, what’s this about Trump’s 15% tariffs?
All the way back in 2019 and 2020, President Trump at the time slapped a 15% tariff on a bunch of European products as part of an aircraft subsidy trade war. The tariffs hit everyday essentials like wine, cheese, olive oil, and even aircraft parts.
The result The cost of a lot of imported EU goodies rose in the U.S., which made your favorite French wine or Italian cheese slightly pricier.
However, not all products were hit. Three popular European imports dodged these extra taxes—and that’s where our good news begins.
The lucky three: No tariffs, no tears
Ready for the revelation? These three EU products are tariff-free on Trump’s 15% list. This means they stayed affordable, available, and delicious.
1. French Champagne
That’s correct—real Champagne, the only type that’s meant to be fizzy when it’s made in the Champagne region of France, was excluded. So go ahead and toast a birthday, graduation, or the mere existence of Tuesday without the need for more bottles popping.
Do you want more retail news?
2. Pecorino Romano Cheese
Cheese lovers, rejoice! While other cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano got caught in the tariff net, Pecorino Romano—Italy’s aged, salty sheep’s milk cheese—escaped. Pasta night just got cheaper.
3. Kitchen Knives and Cutlery from Germany
Require a precision tool to carve up those hot wings. High-end German knives and silverware, specifically brands like Wüsthof and Zwilling, were spared taxation. So chop, dice, and slice with style.
Why were these spared?
It all comes down to a combination of lobbying, negotiations, and trade relations. Some things were omitted to protect American restaurants and retailers that rely heavily on them. Others, like Champagne, were too culturally significant (and profitable) to mess with.
No matter the reasoning, we’re just happy we get to keep drinking bubbly and shaving cheese like it’s pre-tariff 2018.
Tariffs can be tricky, but wings are simple.
Whereas international trade policy may make your head hurt, wings keep things finger-lickingly straightforward. On July 29 — National Chicken Wing Day—scores of restaurant chains are unleashing appetizing offers. Here’s a sampling:
- Buffalo Wild Wings: 6 free wings with $10+ order (code: FREEWINGS)
- Popeyes: BOGO wings through August 3, along with app-only deals
- Wingstop: 5 free wings with qualifying purchase (code: FREEWINGS)
- 7-Eleven, Applebee’s, Zaxby’s, Bonchon, and more: All jumping in with discounts and BOGO specials
Even buffets like Golden Corral brought back their All-You-Can-Eat Wings after 4 p.m., and fast-casual spots like Bolay are offering five wings for just \$5.
Tariff-free taste + wing day wins = A very good summer
So, whether you’re:
- Dipping your boneless wings into ranch
- Grabbing a cold glass of Champagne
- Shaving Pecorino over your pasta
- Or unboxing your brand-new German chef’s knife.
Know that some joys in life remain untouched by tariffs and price hikes.
Wings, wins, and what’s next
Trade tensions may flare up again, tariffs could return, and wings might never be as cheap as they were in 2010. But for now, you’ve got tasty deals, tariff-free imports, and plenty of reasons to celebrate.
So grab a plate, hoist a glass (or a drumstick), and savor the freedom of food and trade.
Don’t miss out! For more sizzling news, fun updates, and the best deals in town, check out [Polifinus.com](https://polifinus.com)—where the real flavor of news comes alive.
