US President Donald Trump said he could impose a 100% tariff on champagne and wines imported from France. Trump indicated that he would take this step if the French government does not remove the taxes imposed on American companies.
Trump expressed his demand for the removal of the 3% tax France levies on American technology companies. This tax has been in effect since 2019 and covers local revenues of companies such as Alphabet, Google's parent company, Amazon, and Apple.
Trump stated that he has communicated this issue directly to the French side and that pressure will continue as long as the tax remains. According to him, if the tax is removed, additional pressure on French products could also be lifted.
It was also noted that the American market holds a significant share in the global sales of the French wine sector. The market accounts for about one-fifth of the sector with annual sales exceeding 2 billion dollars.
Previously, Trump had announced increased customs tariffs on cars imported from the European Union, defending the move by citing Brussels' failure to comply with trade agreements. His latest statement has emerged as a new chapter in the ongoing trade tensions between Washington and Europe.