US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 200% tariffs on wine, champagne and other alcohol products from France and other European Union countries in response to the bloc's planned duties on US-produced whiskey.

"If these tariffs are not removed immediately, the United States will soon impose 200% tariffs on all wine, champagne and alcohol products coming from France and other countries representing the European Union," he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Since taking office, Trump has launched trade wars against competitors and partners alike. He has used tariffs as a tool to pressure countries on trade and other political issues, AFP reported.

On March 12, the EU unveiled tariffs in response to US actions on steel and aluminum. From April onwards, tariffs will be imposed in stages on about $28 billion worth of US goods.

On 13 March, the US President renewed his criticism of the bloc. He described a 50% duty on American whiskey as "nasty".

Trump called the EU "one of the most hostile and abusive tax and tariff bodies in the world" and said it "was created for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States."

Uncertainty over the US President's trade plans and fears that they could trigger a recession have roiled financial markets. On 12 March, however, US stocks recovered some of their ground, even as some Asian markets retreated.

US distillers called the EU's taxation of US whiskey "deeply disappointing".

"Re-imposing these crippling duties at a time when the spirits industry continues to face a slowing U.S. market will further constrain growth and negatively impact distillers and farmers in states across the country," said Distilled Spirits Council head Chris Swanger.

The imposition of similar duties in 2018 led to a 20% drop in US whiskey exports to the EU.

When that measure was repealed in 2021, US whiskey exports grew by nearly 60%, industry figures show.

Trump's tariff wars have targeted Canada, Mexico and China over accusations they are not doing enough to curb fentanyl smuggling or illegal immigration into the US.

He has also targeted specific goods, including steel, aluminum and copper.

Some countries, like the EU, have imposed retaliatory tariffs on the US in response to Trump's actions to address "unfair" trade imbalances.

China has promised "all necessary measures" in response to the US measures and has already imposed tariffs of 10% and 15% targeting US agricultural products ranging from soybeans to chicken.

On March 12, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU's retaliatory measures, which affect products from bourbon to motorcycles, were "strong but proportionate." | BGNES