U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs of 200% on French wines and champagne in a clear attempt to convince French President Emmanuel Macron to join his initiative "Council of Peace," aimed at resolving global conflicts. This is reported by Reuters.
Trump's initiative, which is supposed to start with resolving the situation in Gaza and then spread to other conflicts, raises questions about the role of the UN. A source close to Macron reported that the French president intends to decline the invitation to participate.
When Trump was asked about Macron's position, he replied: "Did he say that? Well, he is not needed by anyone, because he will soon leave his post."
"I will impose a 200 percent tariff on his wines and champagne, and he will join, but he is not obliged to do so," Trump stated.
After making another jab at the French leader, Trump published a personal message from Macron, in which he wrote that he does not understand Trump's actions regarding Greenland.
The elections for a new president of France, who will replace Macron, will take place in 2027.
Wines and spirits exported to the USA from the EU are currently subject to a 15% tariff. The French have been actively lobbying for its elimination since last summer when Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed on a trade deal between the USA and the EU in Scotland.
The United States is the largest market for French wine and spirits: the volume of deliveries in 2024 amounted to 3.8 billion euros.