Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a bold warning, threatening to slap a 200% tariff on wine, champagne, and other alcoholic beverages from France and the European Union. This move comes as a response to the EU’s planned levies on American whiskey.
“If this tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% tariff on all wines, champagnes, and alcoholic products coming out of France and other EU-represented countries,” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform.
The threat is part of Trump’s long-standing trade battle with both allies and competitors, using tariffs as leverage in economic and political disputes. His remarks follow the EU’s recent announcement of counter-tariffs targeting $28 billion worth of U.S. goods, including whiskey, set to take effect in April.
Trump specifically criticized the EU’s 50% tariff on American whiskey, calling it “nasty” and accusing the bloc of existing solely to “take advantage of the United States.”
The American whiskey industry has expressed concern, with Chris Swonger, head of the Distilled Spirits Council, calling the EU’s actions “deeply disappointing” and warning that reimposing tariffs would stifle industry growth and harm U.S. distillers and farmers.
A similar tariff dispute in 2018 led to a 20% drop in American whiskey exports to Europe. When the tariffs were lifted in 2021, exports rebounded by nearly 60%.
Trump’s trade wars have previously targeted China, Mexico, and Canada over issues ranging from illegal immigration to fentanyl smuggling. Many of these countries, including the EU, have responded with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products.
With global markets already reacting to fears of escalating trade tensions, the question remains: Will Trump’s tariff threats push the EU to reconsider, or will this ignite another full-blown trade war?
