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Friday, Mar 14, 2025
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France Takes a Strong Stance Against Potential US Tariffs on Alcoholic Drinks
French officials promise to respond to the possible imposition of 200-percent tariffs by the US on wine and other alcoholic beverages.
France is getting ready to tackle potential tariffs that the United States may impose on its wine, champagne, and other alcoholic beverages, as indicated by Foreign Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin on Thursday.
The minister's statements came after US President Donald Trump suggested a hefty 200-percent tariff on these products imported from France and other European Union nations.
Minister Saint-Martin asserted, "We will not give in to threats," underlining France's determination to respond to any punitive actions that might be taken.
This announcement reveals a readiness to enter into a trade conflict that could further complicate transatlantic relations.
In a related matter, the French association for wine and spirits exporters (FEVS) condemned the situation, expressing that their business interests are being jeopardized.
They pointed out that the European Commission recently applied tariffs on US whiskey, which they argue places them in a challenging position amid the current trade disputes.
FEVS president Nicolas Ozanam expressed discontent, remarking that the association is "tired of being systematically sacrificed for issues that are unrelated to us" and called on the EU Commission to pursue a more pragmatic approach to these challenges.
President Trump has labeled the EU's existing 50-percent tariff on US whiskey as "nasty" and has demanded its prompt repeal.
In a communication on the Truth Social platform, he cautioned that if the whiskey tariff is not abolished, the US would impose significant tariffs on all wines, champagnes, and alcoholic products from France and other EU countries.
This situation serves as a critical point in the ongoing trade discussions between the US and the EU, underscoring the intricacies of international trade relations and the substantial concerns of the affected industries.
The minister's statements came after US President Donald Trump suggested a hefty 200-percent tariff on these products imported from France and other European Union nations.
Minister Saint-Martin asserted, "We will not give in to threats," underlining France's determination to respond to any punitive actions that might be taken.
This announcement reveals a readiness to enter into a trade conflict that could further complicate transatlantic relations.
In a related matter, the French association for wine and spirits exporters (FEVS) condemned the situation, expressing that their business interests are being jeopardized.
They pointed out that the European Commission recently applied tariffs on US whiskey, which they argue places them in a challenging position amid the current trade disputes.
FEVS president Nicolas Ozanam expressed discontent, remarking that the association is "tired of being systematically sacrificed for issues that are unrelated to us" and called on the EU Commission to pursue a more pragmatic approach to these challenges.
President Trump has labeled the EU's existing 50-percent tariff on US whiskey as "nasty" and has demanded its prompt repeal.
In a communication on the Truth Social platform, he cautioned that if the whiskey tariff is not abolished, the US would impose significant tariffs on all wines, champagnes, and alcoholic products from France and other EU countries.
This situation serves as a critical point in the ongoing trade discussions between the US and the EU, underscoring the intricacies of international trade relations and the substantial concerns of the affected industries.
