Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 200 per cent tariffs on French wine and champagne, escalating tensions with a key European ally, after French President Emmanuel Macron declined to support his proposed international initiative known as the “Board of Peace.”
Speaking to reporters and later posting on his social media platform, Trump said the steep tariffs would be imposed if France did not agree to join the initiative, which he claims is aimed at resolving major global conflicts. “I’ll put a 200 per cent tariff on their wines and champagnes, and he’ll join. But he doesn’t have to,” Trump said, referring to Macron.
The proposed tariffs, if implemented, would sharply raise the cost of French wine and champagne in the United States, one of France’s largest export markets for luxury beverages. Trade analysts warned that such a move could trigger retaliatory measures from the European Union and further strain transatlantic trade relations.
In a move that drew criticism from diplomats, Trump also shared what he described as a private message from President Macron. In the message, Macron reportedly said the two leaders were “totally in line” on issues such as Syria and could “do great things on Iran,” while expressing uncertainty over Trump’s positions on other geopolitical matters. Macron also suggested the possibility of meeting on the sidelines of an international summit to continue discussions.
French officials reacted cautiously, with sources in Paris describing the tariff threat as “unacceptable” and counterproductive between allies. They reiterated that France’s foreign policy decisions would not be influenced by economic pressure and confirmed that Paris had no immediate plans to join the proposed Board of Peace.
The episode comes amid broader tensions between the United States and several European countries over trade, security, and diplomatic coordination. Observers say Trump’s remarks and the public disclosure of a private communication risk further complicating already sensitive U.S.–France relations.
As of now, there has been no formal announcement from U.S. trade authorities on the implementation of the proposed tariffs, but the remarks have already unsettled markets and prompted concern among exporters and policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic.
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