Washington, March 13, 2025 – US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the United States would impose a 200% tariff on European wine, champagne, and spirits if the European Union proceeds with its planned tariff on American whisky, set to take effect on April 1.
In a social media post, Trump accused the EU of unfair trade practices. “The EU is one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the world, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States,” he wrote.
Trump made it clear that if the whisky tariff isn’t lifted immediately, the US will retaliate with heavy tariffs on European alcoholic imports. “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,” he warned.
Trump added that such a move would boost the American alcohol industry. “This will be great for the wine and champagne businesses in the US,” he said.
The potential trade conflict could further strain US-EU relations, which have faced tensions over trade policies in recent years.
