Donald Trump Warns of 200% Tariffs on European Wines and Champagnes Over Trade Dispute

In a fresh escalation of trade tensions, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on liquor imports from France and other European Union (EU) nations. The warning comes in response to the EU's decision to levy a 50% tariff on American whisky.

Trump took to Truth Social to express his frustration, calling the European Union “one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the world.” He accused the EU of unfairly targeting the US economy and vowed immediate action if the new whisky tariff was not removed.

“If this tariff is not removed immediately, the US will shortly place a 200% tariff on all wines, champagnes, and alcoholic products coming out of France and other EU-represented countries. This will be great for the wine and champagne businesses in the US,” Trump wrote.

Trade War Intensifies

The EU responded swiftly, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announcing countermeasures worth approximately $28 billion. This retaliation follows Trump’s recent move to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, further straining economic relations between the US and its allies.

Canada and other EU nations have also expressed concerns over Trump’s aggressive trade policies. Emmanuel Guichard, secretary general of French trade association FEBEA, warned that the dispute is pushing global markets into an unwanted trade war.

“We are entering a trade war that we do not want to be part of,” Guichard stated.

This latest standoff echoes previous US-EU tariff battles. Earlier this year, India also revised its tariff structure, reducing duties on bourbon whisky from 150% to 100% following Trump’s criticism of the country’s import levies.

As global leaders brace for further economic disruptions, the impact of Trump’s proposed tariffs on European wine and champagne exports could be significant, affecting both American consumers and international trade partnerships.

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