President Trump just put the European Union on notice. If they don’t scrap their tariff on American whiskey, the U.S. will hammer them with a 200% tariff on European wine and champagne. No bluffing, no empty threats—just a clear warning that Washington isn’t playing games.
Europe started this fight. They slapped a 50% tariff on American whiskey as payback for U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs. Their goal? Squeeze American producers, force Washington’s hand. But if they expected the U.S. to cave, they weren’t paying attention.
Trump isn’t interested in one-sided deals. For every hit on American industries, there will be an equal or greater response. The EU’s decision to target whiskey, motorcycles, and motorboats was a calculated move. Now, the White House is making its own calculation—one that could leave European wine exporters scrambling.
A 200% tariff would be devastating. European wines and champagne would become luxury items overnight. Their biggest market – American consumers – would see prices skyrocket, killing demand. Meanwhile, U.S. whiskey producers could finally compete on a level playing field, no longer undercut by unfair trade policies.
The ball is in the EU’s court. They can back down, or they can watch their wine industry take a hit it may never recover from. Either way, the U.S. isn’t backing off.
Sources:
https://vinepair.com/booze-news/europe-implements-50-percent-tariff-on-american-whiskey/
https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/03/eu-to-slap-50-tariff-on-american-whiskey/
https://www.wishtv.com/news/business/us-whiskey-tariffs-eu/