France reacts to Trump's idea of 200% tariffs for EU
Europe calls the US intention to impose high tariffs on alcohol a provocation (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
French Prime Minister François Bayrou responded to US President Donald Trump's statement regarding a 200% tariff increase on European champagne, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. The government leader described the move as a provocation, according to TF1 television.
"We cannot allow ourselves to be broken by such threats. It is important for us, Europeans, to show who we are and that we will not succumb to this kind of threat," Bayrou said.
Additionally, Spain took a similar stance. The country's Minister of Agriculture, Luis Planas, analyzed the US decision from a long-term perspective.
"This is just another statement, it comes and goes. (...) We remain calm, but we also stand firm," wrote Planas on his X page.
Trump's trade wars
After taking office as US president, Donald Trump imposed trade tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and EU countries.
Specifically, the White House introduced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from the EU. In response, Brussels imposed its tariffs on American goods worth 26 billion euros.
On March 13, Trump announced plans to impose 200% tariffs on the import of wines and champagne from EU countries. According to him, these measures are intended to help US producers of these products.
If such tariffs are introduced, up to 10% of the production of French wine and spirits exported to the US could be affected.
