Trump trade wars: With 200% tariffs champagne soon unaffordable

Polls, US President Donald Trump has signed orders significantly expanding the goods exempted from his new tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

Donald Trump has escalated his trade wars with the European Union, threatening a massive 200% tariff on European wine, champagne, and other alcoholic imports. His move comes in response to new EU tariffs on American whiskey and other U.S. goods.

Trump Calls EU ‘Nasty’ Over Whiskey Tariff

The latest trade clash started when the EU slapped a 50% tariff on American whiskey. The decision directly impacts Republican-led states like Kentucky, Texas, and Florida, where whiskey production is a major industry.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK—MARCH 05: Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on March 05, 2025, in New York City. Following two days of dramatic losses in the stock market after the Trump administration imposed tariffs on Mexico and Canada, stocks were up in morning trading. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Furious over the EU’s move, Trump took to Truth Social, calling the European Union “one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the world.” He warned that if the whiskey tariff isn’t removed immediately, the U.S. will retaliate with a 200% tax on European wines and champagnes in this latest escaltion of the Trump trade wars.

“This will be great for the wine and champagne businesses in the U.S.,” Trump added.

Escalating Trade War Raises Economic Fears

The tit-for-tat tariffs have fueled concerns about a deepening recession in the U.S. and an economic shock worldwide. Trump’s aggressive stance has already led to significant price hikes on goods in both America and Europe.

For American consumers, the impact is clear—European wines and champagnes will become significantly more expensive. While Trump himself doesn’t drink alcohol, his trade policies could reshape the industry.

Trump Hits France Where It Hurts

France, the world’s top champagne producer, could take a huge hit from Trump’s planned tariffs. Champagne exports to the U.S. generate billions annually, but a 200% tariff would cripple the industry and make premium European wines unaffordable for many Americans.

Whiskey War: EU Targets Key U.S. Exports

The EU isn’t backing down. The new tariffs specifically target American goods from Republican-led states, including:

Whiskey
Bourbon
Motorcycles
Peanut butter
Jeans

These industries could lose billions, worsening tensions between the U.S. and Europe.

Trump: ‘We’ve Been Abused for Too Long’

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump didn’t hold back. “The European Union was set up to take advantage of the United States. We’ve been abused for too long, and we will be abused no longer,” he said.

Trump believes his tough stance will strengthen the U.S. economy. “Financially, we will be stronger than ever before. I think the markets are going to soar when they see what’s happening,” he claimed.

Canada Joins the Fight: $21 Billion in Tariffs on U.S. Goods

Trump’s trade battles aren’t just with Europe. Canada has retaliated against his steel and aluminum tariffs by slapping $21 billion in new tariffs on American imports, including:

Computers
Sports gear
Electronics

The ongoing trade wars with both Europe and Canada could push prices even higher and disrupt global supply chains.

Will Trump’s 200% Tariffs Backfire?

With April 1 set as the deadline for the new tariffs, tensions are at an all-time high. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned:

“Tariffs are taxes. They are bad for business and even worse for consumers.”

Many economists fear that Trump’s hardline approach could cost U.S. companies billions and hurt American workers. If prices continue to rise, the trade wars could become a major issue in the 2024 presidential race.

For now, Trump remains defiant, promising to win this financial battle—but at what cost?

Herbert Bauernebel

Herbert Bauernebel has been reporting from New York since 1999 and currently works for Bild.de, OE24 TV, and US Live. He also runs the news portal AmerikaReport.de. Bauernebel has covered nearly all major US events of the past quarter-century, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama’s election, Donald Trump’s surprise victory, the pandemic, last year’s election showdown, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills. He has also reported firsthand on international events, including the Asian tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and the Fukushima disaster. He lives in Brooklyn with his family and holds degrees in communication and political science from the University of Vienna. Bauernebel is the author of a book about his experiences on 9/11, And the Air Was Full of Ash: 9/11 – The Day That Changed My Life.