Trump Threatens 200% Tariffs on EU Alcohol

Former US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 200% tariffs on alcohol imports from the European Union, in what could become a new episode of trade tensions between the two powers.

During an event in Florida, Trump criticized EU trade policies, arguing that the bloc imposes "unfair restrictions" on American products while benefiting from preferential access to the US market.

"It's time for Europe to pay its fair share. If they continue to take advantage of us, we will raise tariffs on European alcohol to 200%. No more cheap wine, no more cheap whiskey," the former president told his supporters.

Trump's threat has raised concerns in the alcohol industry in both Europe and the US, as tariffs of this magnitude would severely affect the import of products such as French wine, Scotch whiskey, and German beer.

In Brussels, the European Commission has responded cautiously, indicating that any such measure would be considered a "violation of fair trade" and that countermeasures would be evaluated if the threat materialized.

This announcement by Trump adds to his history of protectionist measures during his administration, when he imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminum, triggering trade retaliation from the EU.

Meanwhile, economists warn that such an escalation could lead to higher prices for American consumers and affect producers and exporters on both sides of the Atlantic.