Trump threatens retaliatory 200% tariff on European wine after EU proposes American whiskey tariff
Share and Follow


WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened a 200% tariff on European wine, champagne and spirits if the European Union goes forward with a planned tariff on American whiskey.

The European tariff, which was unveiled in response to steel and aluminum tariffs by the U.S. administration, was expected to go into effect on April 1.

But Trump, in a morning social media post, vowed a new escalation in his trade war if the EU pushes ahead with the planned 50% tariff on American whiskey.

“If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES,” Trump wrote. “This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.”

The Republican president on Wednesday had signaled that he intended to take the action.

“Of course I will respond,” Trump told reporters during an Oval Office exchange with reporters.

Trump, in announcing the new steel and aluminum tariffs on Wednesday, openly challenged U.S. allies and vowed to take back wealth “stolen” by other countries, and he drew quick retaliation.

He has separate tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, with plans to also tax imports from the European Union, Brazil and South Korea by charging “reciprocal” rates starting on April 2.

The EU announced its own countermeasures. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that as the United States was “applying tariffs worth 28 billion dollars, we are responding with countermeasures worth 26 billion euros,” or about $28 billion.

Those measures cover not just steel and aluminum products but also textiles, home appliances and agricultural goods.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
House panel advances GOP-backed stock trading bill 

House Committee Pushes Forward Republican-Supported Stock Trading Legislation

On Wednesday, the House Administration Committee moved forward with a Republican-led initiative…
85-year-old woman stabbed to death in NYC home, grandson in custody: sources

Tragic Incident: 85-Year-Old NYC Woman Fatally Stabbed, Grandson Arrested

Authorities have reported a tragic incident in Bedford-Stuyvesant where an 85-year-old woman…
Decades Before ‘The Rip,’ Joe Carnahan Took Ray Liotta on a Last-Minute Awards Season Run with ‘Narc’

Years Ahead of ‘The Rip,’ Joe Carnahan Propelled Ray Liotta into an Unexpected Awards Season with ‘Narc

Joe Carnahan has carved out a niche for himself in the world…
Portland Rep. asked about shooting of alleged Tren de Aragua gangsters

Portland Representative Addresses Concerns Over Alleged Tren de Aragua Gang Shooting Incident

Oregon Congresswoman Maxine Dexter recently found herself in the hot seat during…
SEE IT: Police guard Chicago home of surgeon ex charged in Ohio dentist double murder

Breaking News: Police Secure Chicago Surgeon’s Home Amidst Ohio Dentist Double Homicide Charges

CHICAGO — For several hours following the arrest of an Ohio murder…
Disabled JTA riders raise concerns about proposed Connexion Plus rate hikes

JTA’s Proposed Connexion Plus Fare Increases Spark Concerns Among Disabled Riders

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is facing criticism over its proposed fare…
Iran protests instigated by Israel to distract from Gaza 'genocide,' Columbia professor claims

Columbia Professor Suggests Israel Behind Iran Protests to Shift Focus from Gaza Crisis

An expert in Iranian studies from a prestigious Ivy League institution has…
Another near-record hot year a 'warning shot': Scientists

Scientists Warn: Near-Record Heat in 2023 Signals Urgent Climate Change Alert

WASHINGTON (AP) — Last year, the Earth’s average temperature reached alarmingly high…