U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on the 13th (local time) to impose a 200% tariff on European Union (EU) wine and champagne in response to the EU's warning of retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. He acknowledged that some confusion may arise but confirmed that he will enforce mutual tariffs, which will take effect globally on April 2.
During a meeting in the Oval Office with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Trump responded to a reporter's question about whether there would be any change to the tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum at 25% since the 12th and the planned mutual tariffs set for April 2 by stating, “No.” Trump further emphasized, “We have been taken advantage of for many years, and we will not be taken advantage of any longer,” adding, “Whether it's aluminum, steel, or cars, I will not back down.” He also noted regarding the tariffs, “There will be some confusion, but it won't last long.”
On the same day, he threatened to impose a 200% tariff on all alcoholic products imported from the EU through his social media platform Truth Social. This is a retaliatory measure against the EU's 50% tariff on U.S. whiskey. Trump stated, “The EU, one of the most hostile and abusive tax and tariff authorities in the world, imposed a whopping 50% severe tariff on (U.S.) whiskey, created solely to take advantage of America. If this tariff is not immediately revoked, the U.S. will soon impose a 200% tariff on all wine, champagne, and alcoholic products coming from countries within the European Union, including France.” He further remarked, “This will be very good for the wine and champagne industry in the U.S.”