Trump threatens to impose 200-pct tariffs on EU alcohol products

WASHINGTON -- US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened a 200-percent tariff on French and European Union (EU) alcoholic products unless the EU removes its 50-percent tariff on American whiskey.

"If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the US will shortly place a 200-percent Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER EU REPRESENTED COUNTRIES," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

"The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50-percent Tariff on Whisky," said Trump.

On Wednesday, Trump threatened to retaliate against the EU's retaliatory measures in response to the newly effective 25-percent tariffs on European steel and aluminum.

The European Commission announced on Wednesday that it will impose retaliatory tariffs on 26 billion euros' (28 billion US dollars') worth of US goods starting next month. The tariffs would impact agricultural products, including American whiskey, affecting brands like Kentucky bourbon.

Criticizing the US tariffs as harmful to businesses and consumers, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Europe's response is "strong but proportionate" and reaffirmed the EU's willingness to engage in dialogue.

Later that day, Trump told reporters at the White House that he would impose additional tariffs in response to the countermeasures, saying "Of course I'm going to respond."