On March 13 local time, US President Trump threatened on social media that if the EU does not immediately lift the 50% tariff on US whisky, the US will soon impose a 200% tariff on all wine, champagne and alcohol products from EU countries.
Trump said, “This is a good thing for the trade of wine and champagne in the United States.”
Trump also said, “The European Union is one of the most hostile and tariff abuse institutions in the world, and its sole purpose of establishment is to take advantage of the United States.”
Recently, Trump and the European Union have been experiencing continuous frictions over tariff issues. Previously, in February this year, Trump announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imported to the United States, and cancelled the duty-free quotas and exemption policies for steel and aluminum to some trading partners. He also indicated that he would consider imposing taxes on automobiles and other items. This measure officially came into effect on March 12th local time.
Trump threatens to impose a 200% tariff on EU alcohol again
The European Commission also announced on the 12th that it would take countermeasures against the US steel and aluminum tariffs and plans to impose tariffs on 26 billion euros worth of US goods starting next month. The EU’s countermeasure tariffs will be divided into two parts. Starting from April 1st, tariffs will be reimposed on 8 billion euros worth of US goods, including iconic US items such as Harley-Davidson motorcycles, bourbon whiskey, and jeans. Starting from mid-April, with the approval of EU member states, the EU will take further measures against more than 18 billion euros worth of US goods. But regarding the “countermeasures” from the EU side, Trump previously threatened that once the EU implemented this countermeasures plan, he would increase the “penalties”.
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