Trump threatens to impose a 200% tax on champagne

On Thursday March 13, Donald Trump announced his intention to impose a 200% tax on European wines and champagnes if the European Union did not withdraw its 50% tax on American whisky. A threat that has sparked concern and anger among wine industry professionals.

An escalation in the trade war of Donald Trump

This decision is part of a cycle of retaliation initiated by the United States with a 25% surtax on European steel and aluminum. In response, the EU raised tariffs on several American products, including whisky. Faced with this, Trump reacted via his Truth Social network by threatening to triple the price of French wines and champagnes in the USA.

France’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Laurent Saint-Martin, immediately denounced this one-upmanship on X, saying that France would fight back with the EU and not give in to threats.

A sacrificed wine sector?

Wine and spirits professionals denounce an unfair and dangerous decision. Pauline Bastidon, Director of Spirits Europe, calls for an immediate halt to this trade showdown. David Chatillon, President of the Comité Champagne, reminds us that the sector must not become hostage to geopolitical tensions.

For his part, Nicolas Ozanam of the French Federation of Wine and Spirits Exporters (FEVS) warns of the major economic impact of such a tax. FEVS President Gabriel Picard points out that the United States accounts for 25% of French exports, generating 3.8 billion euros in 2024. A 200% tax could wipe out this strategic market and bring sales of French wines across the Atlantic to a screeching halt.

An uncertain future

If this threat materializes, the price of French wines and champagnes could become unaffordable for American consumers. The wine industry is hoping for a swift diplomatic solution to avoid a major crisis.

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