Trump Threatens 200% Tariff on EU Liquor if U.S. Whiskey Tariffs Aren't Lifted

# Trump Warns EU to Drop '50% Tariff' on American Whiskey or Face 200% Tariff Retaliation Washington—President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to the European Union (EU) on the 13th, stating that if the EU does not immediately lift the recently imposed '50% tariff' on American whiskey, the United States will impose a 200% tariff on alcoholic beverages produced in EU countries. In a post on social media, President Trump declared, "The EU, which was created solely to take advantage of the U.S., has just slapped a filthy 50% tariff on American whiskey. If this tariff is not rescinded immediately, the U.S. will promptly impose a 200% tariff on wine, champagne, and other alcoholic beverages from France and other EU countries." The EU's move comes in response to the U.S. imposing a 25% tariff on steel, aluminum, and derivative products worldwide starting on the 12th. As a retaliatory measure, the EU included a 50% tariff on American whiskey in its first-phase measures, set to be implemented from the 1st of next month. With Europe introducing retaliatory tariffs against the 'Trump tariff bomb,' and President Trump warning of a counter-retaliation, there is rising speculation that a global 'tariff war,' centered on the U.S. and Europe, may escalate. jhcho@yna.co.kr