UK-based drinks giant Diageo plc has warned that escalating trade tensions in North America could significantly impact its business, with potential losses of up to $200 million (€193.7 million) in the second half of 2025 if threatened U.S. tariffs on Canada and Mexico take effect.

Diageo, which owns more than 200 brands including Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Baileys, and Captain Morgan, exports whiskey from Canada and tequila from Mexico to the U.S., its largest market. With North America generating the highest net sales volume for Diageo, any new tariffs could have far-reaching financial consequences.

On Tuesday, the company reported its financial year 2025 interim results, revealing lackluster performance in the last quarter and announcing the removal of its medium-term sales growth target of 5-7%, citing uncertainty over the global trade environment.

U.S. Tariffs Delayed but Risks Remain

U.S. President Donald Trump had planned to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods on Tuesday, but following talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, the move has been postponed for a month. However, analysts warn that Diageo remains vulnerable if the tariffs are implemented.

Following the announcement, Diageo’s share price fell 1.3% on Tuesday afternoon, reflecting investor concerns about the company’s exposure to trade disputes.

Disappointing Financial Performance

Diageo’s latest earnings report showed a slight decline in net sales, with reported revenue at $10.9 billion (€10.6 billion), down 0.6%, mainly due to foreign exchange challenges. Organic net sales grew just 1% to $101 million (€97.8 million), while operating profit fell 4.9%, also affected by currency fluctuations.

CEO Debra Crew remained optimistic, highlighting that Diageo continues to gain market share in four out of five global regions.

“We outperformed the market in North America with high-quality share growth and positive organic net sales growth, driven by strong execution and momentum in Don Julio and Crown Royal,” Crew said in the earnings statement.

She also praised the success of Guinness, which delivered double-digit growth for the eighth consecutive half-year period, attributing the rise to brand building, innovation, and increasing global demand.

However, sales of premium spirits like Tanqueray, Gordon’s, and Smirnoff have been under pressure, as consumers turn to cheaper alternatives due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Analysts React to Diageo’s Results

Market analysts had mixed reactions to Diageo’s performance and decision to withdraw its medium-term sales forecast.

Chris Beckett, head of research at Quilter Cheviot, described the results as “satisfactory”, noting that organic sales rose slightly while profits dipped marginally, indicating a stabilization in performance. However, he warned that the removal of sales guidance may be negatively received by investors.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said Diageo’s uncertain outlook and external challenges have weighed on investor confidence.

“Diageo has had little good news to toast so far in 2025. First, the threat of cancer warning labels on its drinks emerged, and now the company has withdrawn its medium-term guidance,” Mould said.

He added that if the U.S. tariffs are imposed, Diageo will need to test its pricing power to see if it can pass higher costs onto consumers.

Future Outlook

Diageo’s earnings per share (EPS) fell 9.6%, mainly due to weaker performance from Moët Hennessy. The company is also struggling with lower global demand for premium spirits, as inflationary pressures push consumers toward budget-friendly brands.

Despite the challenges, Diageo reassured investors that it would provide more frequent trading updates and near-term guidance. However, with U.S. tariffs looming and shifting consumer spending habits, the company faces significant headwinds in the months ahead.