Transatlantic Trade Tiff: Trump Threatens Tariff on European Spirits

President Donald Trump threatens to impose a 200% tariff on European wine, champagne, and spirits in retaliation to a planned EU tariff on American whiskey, accusing the EU of being unfair to the US.

President Donald Trump has upped the ante in the ongoing transatlantic trade dispute, issuing a stern warning to the European Union. On Thursday, Trump threatened to impose a steep 200% tariff on European wines, champagnes, and spirits if the EU follows through with its planned levy on American whiskey.

The European tariff, anticipated to take effect on April 1, targets U.S. whiskey exports, prompting a sharp rebuke from Trump. In a social media post, the president lambasted the EU as "one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World." According to Trump, the EU was formed with the intent to exploit the United States.

Trump vowed swift action, stating that unless the EU retracts its plan, the U.S. will impose significant duties aimed at boosting domestic wine and champagne industries. "This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the US," he remarked.

(With inputs from agencies.)