Trump Threatens 200% Tariff on EU Alcohol
In a recent move that has left many in the wine and spirits industry stunned, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on all wines and other alcoholic products from the European Union. This comes in response to the EU’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on American whiskey, a move that Trump has deemed “nasty”.
According to a report by Reuters, Trump made the announcement on March 13, 2025, warning that if the EU does not remove the tariff on American whiskey, the US will shortly place a 200% tariff on all EU wine and spirits. This would have a significant impact on the global wine and spirits industry, with many businesses and consumers alike set to feel the effects.
The move is just the latest in a long-running trade dispute between the US and the EU. The tariffs on American whiskey are part of a broader dispute over subsidies given to European plane maker Airbus, which the US claims are unfair. In response, the US has imposed tariffs on a range of EU products, including wine and spirits.
Trump’s decision to threaten a 200% tariff on EU alcohol is seen by many as a bold move, and one that could have significant consequences for the global wine and spirits industry. The US is one of the largest importers of wine and spirits from the EU, with many American consumers enjoying a wide range of European wines and spirits.
The impact of a 200% tariff would be significant, with many consumers facing higher prices for their favorite wines and spirits. The move would also have significant implications for the US wine and spirits industry, with many American businesses relying on imports from the EU to supply their products.
But Trump’s move is not just about the wine and spirits industry. It is also seen as part of a broader strategy to renegotiate trade deals and protect American industries. The US President has long been vocal about his desire to protect American jobs and industries, and his decision to threaten a 200% tariff on EU alcohol is seen as a way to achieve this goal.
The EU, for its part, has been quick to respond to Trump’s threat. In a statement, the EU Commission said that it was “concerned by the US decision to threaten new tariffs on EU wine and spirits” and called on Washington to “withdraw this decision and engage in a constructive dialogue”.
The move has also been met with criticism from many in the wine and spirits industry, who see it as a move that would harm consumers and businesses alike. “A 200% tariff would be devastating for the wine industry,” said a spokesperson for the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America. “It would lead to higher prices for consumers and would hurt American businesses that rely on imports from the EU.”
In conclusion, Trump’s threat to impose a 200% tariff on EU alcohol is a bold move that has significant implications for the global wine and spirits industry. While the move is seen by some as a way to protect American industries and jobs, it is also likely to have significant negative consequences for consumers and businesses alike. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the EU and the US respond to the threat, and what the long-term implications will be for the global wine and spirits industry.
