Donald Trump on Monday threatened to impose a 200 per cent tariff on French wine and Champagne following indications that France may decline his invitation to join what he described as his “Board of Peace.”
Trump made the remarks while reacting to reports that French President Emmanuel Macron was not inclined to accept the invitation.
“I’ll put a 200 percent tariff on his wines and champagnes. And he’ll join. But he doesn’t have to join,” Trump said, referring to the French leader.
A source close to President Macron confirmed France’s position, telling AFP that Paris “does not intend to answer favourably” to the invitation.
The comments signal a fresh escalation in rhetoric between Trump and European leaders, with trade threats once again being used as leverage in diplomatic disagreements. France is one of the world’s largest exporters of wine and Champagne, with the United States a key market for its products.
While it remains unclear whether the threat would translate into actual policy action, the remarks have raised concerns among exporters and trade analysts over the potential impact on transatlantic trade relations.
