Europe Opposes New U.S. Tariffs on Wine Set at 200%
The Trump administration has recently implemented a 25-percent tariff on imports of steel, aluminum, and specific products that contain these metals from the European Union. In reaction to this measure, the EU declared on Wednesday a 50-percent tariff on American whisky.
TroibNews 
The Trump administration has recently implemented a 25-percent tariff on imports of steel, aluminum, and certain products containing these metals from the European Union. In retaliation, the EU announced a 50-percent tariff on American whisky this past Wednesday.
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to escalate the situation by imposing a 200-percent tariff on all wines, champagnes, and other alcoholic beverages from France and other EU countries unless the whisky tariff is rescinded immediately.
France, which is one of the largest exporters of wine and spirits in Europe, was quick to respond, as the wine and spirits industry serves as the nation’s third-largest source of revenue.
French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin warned on Thursday that France would take action if Washington follows through on its tariff threat. "France remains determined to respond with the European Commission and our partners," he stated on his X account, stressing that neither France nor the EU would yield to pressure.
Similarly, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine reiterated this position, indicating that there would be an "immediate, firm and appropriate" response should Washington enforce the new tariffs.
During a visit to South Africa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen conveyed that the EU is open to discussions with the U.S. regarding the tariff dispute, while also emphasizing the bloc's commitment to defending its interests.
Luka Brkic, a professor at Croatia's Libertas International University, voiced his concerns on local media Thursday, stating that tariffs are detrimental "least of all to the country that imposes them."
The Federation of French Wine and Spirits Exporters highlighted the vulnerability of the European wine and spirits sector, which is under significant economic and geopolitical strain.
At the broader European level, spiritsEUROPE, representing European spirits producers, urged both parties to exclude alcoholic beverages from unrelated trade conflicts.
Additionally, the Irish Whisky Association cautioned on Thursday that tariffs could severely affect both businesses and consumers.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to escalate the situation by imposing a 200-percent tariff on all wines, champagnes, and other alcoholic beverages from France and other EU countries unless the whisky tariff is rescinded immediately.
France, which is one of the largest exporters of wine and spirits in Europe, was quick to respond, as the wine and spirits industry serves as the nation’s third-largest source of revenue.
French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin warned on Thursday that France would take action if Washington follows through on its tariff threat. "France remains determined to respond with the European Commission and our partners," he stated on his X account, stressing that neither France nor the EU would yield to pressure.
Similarly, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine reiterated this position, indicating that there would be an "immediate, firm and appropriate" response should Washington enforce the new tariffs.
During a visit to South Africa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen conveyed that the EU is open to discussions with the U.S. regarding the tariff dispute, while also emphasizing the bloc's commitment to defending its interests.
Luka Brkic, a professor at Croatia's Libertas International University, voiced his concerns on local media Thursday, stating that tariffs are detrimental "least of all to the country that imposes them."
The Federation of French Wine and Spirits Exporters highlighted the vulnerability of the European wine and spirits sector, which is under significant economic and geopolitical strain.
At the broader European level, spiritsEUROPE, representing European spirits producers, urged both parties to exclude alcoholic beverages from unrelated trade conflicts.
Additionally, the Irish Whisky Association cautioned on Thursday that tariffs could severely affect both businesses and consumers.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
