The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced a 200% tariff on all wines, champagne, and alcoholic products from countries represented by the European Union (EU). According to Trump, this measure will greatly benefit the wine and champagne sector in the United States.
The European Commission, for its part, declined to comment on this announcement and continues its strategy of acting only when the U.S. Administration makes definitive decisions. The EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Sefcovic, has contacted his U.S. counterpart to address the situation.
Trump has threatened to impose this tariff if the EU does not immediately lift the 50% levy on U.S. whiskey. He accused the EU of being one of the most hostile tax and tariff authorities, created to take advantage of the United States.
In response to the 25% tariffs that the Trump Administration imposes on imports of European steel and aluminum, the European Union will impose tariffs worth up to $28,141,490 million on a wide range of U.S. products starting in April. The European countermeasures will not take effect until April 1, to allow for a potential agreement with the United States.
Brussels has estimated the impact of U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and European derived products at around $28 billion. The countermeasures will affect imports ranging from food to brands such as Bourbon whiskey or Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
The European tariffs will be implemented in two parts: the first part corresponding to previous tariffs will take effect on April 1. The second part, which will include a wider range of American products, will be ready by mid-April.
