US President Donald Trump has threatened a 200% tariff on any alcohol coming to the US from the EU in the latest twist in an escalating trade war. Trump made the threat in response to the EU’s announcement of a levy on US-produced whiskey as part of its counter-tariffs in response to US tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports.
He called for the immediate removal of the EU’s tariff on US whiskey, calling the EU “nasty”, “hostile and abusive”, and “formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States”. The European Commission spokesperson said that “calls are being prepared” between the US and the EU to discuss the situation.
It confirmed that its trade commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, had “reached out to his American counterparts” after Trump threatened retaliation against EU tariffs on Wednesday.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said the tariff on EU alcohol imports would be “great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the US”.
Credit: BBC