After The EU Threatened The USA With Tariffs on $28B Worth of Goods, Trump Hits Back Hard

President Donald Trump is taking a hard stance on trade, threatening a 200% tariff on French and European alcoholic products in response to new EU tariffs on American whiskey. The move escalates an ongoing trade dispute, with both sides digging in.

Key Facts:

Trump announced a potential 200% tariff on European alcoholic beverages, including wine and champagne.
The threat comes after the EU confirmed tariffs on $28 billion worth of U.S. goods, including whiskey.
Trump stated the measure would help American wine and champagne producers.
The EU tariffs are a response to Trump’s previous 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU remains open to negotiations but will proceed with countermeasures in April.

The Rest of The Story:

The trade dispute between the U.S. and Europe is heating up.

The EU recently announced plans to slap tariffs on $28 billion worth of American exports, including whiskey, as retaliation for U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Trump quickly responded with his own threat, proposing a 200% tariff on French and European alcohol products.

Trump framed the move as a win for American alcohol producers, stating that it would benefit domestic wine and champagne businesses.

The EU, however, insists its response is measured, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen claiming the countermeasures are “strong but proportionate.”

While she noted the EU is open to negotiations, the tariffs are scheduled to take full effect by mid-April.

(US) Pres Trump: "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% Tariff on Whisky.

He is going to put a 200% tariff on… pic.twitter.com/4KihBYAd7J

— Special Situations 🌐 Research Newsletter (Jay) (@SpecialSitsNews) March 13, 2025

Commentary:

If European leaders want to play hardball on trade, they should be prepared for the consequences.

For decades, the U.S. has tolerated one-sided trade arrangements, often to its own detriment.

Trump’s message is clear: those days are over.

If the EU insists on punishing American industries, it should expect a strong counterpunch.

The reality is that Europe needs the U.S. far more than the U.S. needs Europe.

American consumers drive global demand, and European economies rely heavily on access to the U.S. market.

A trade war would hurt both sides, but the EU stands to lose the most.

200% tariff on all wines, champagnes, and alcoholic products coming from the EU if they do not cancel their 50% tariff on US whisky.

EU decided to FA… EU about to FO… pic.twitter.com/hldnmhfWag

— SaltyGoat (@SaltyGoat17) March 13, 2025

With high unemployment in countries like France and economic struggles across the bloc, European leaders should think twice before escalating further.

Trump’s proposed tariffs would put immense pressure on European alcohol exporters, a sector already struggling with global competition.

France, a major wine exporter, would take a significant hit, forcing its government to reckon with the costs of opposing U.S. trade policies.

The best course of action for the EU is to back down and negotiate a fair deal.

Dragging this fight out will only harm European businesses and workers.

Trump has made it clear that he is willing to retaliate aggressively, and history suggests he follows through on his threats.

European leaders would be wise to resolve this quickly before it spirals into a full-blown economic conflict.

The Bottom Line:

The EU’s decision to slap tariffs on U.S. goods has triggered a fierce response from Trump, who is threatening massive tariffs on European alcohol.

While the EU insists its countermeasures are fair, the reality is that Europe has far more to lose in a trade standoff with the U.S.

If European leaders don’t want to see their industries suffer, they should take Trump’s warning seriously and negotiate a better deal before it’s too late.