France rejects Trump’s threat of imposing a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes after Macron rejected a peace council proposal.
France Rejects Tariff Threats
“As we always emphasize: tariff threats aimed at influencing our foreign policy are unacceptable and remain ineffective,” stated the French President’s office in response to Donald Trump’s announcements of imposing a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes.
“Le Parisien” quoted this response. The newspaper also cited Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard, who said: “This threat is unacceptable at this stage. It is unprecedented brutality that, of course, cannot go unanswered, not only from France but from the entire European Union.”
According to a government representative in Paris, the US President’s tariff increase announcement “threatens a specific sector, namely vine cultivation, which is a flagship element of French agriculture.” The United States is the largest market for French wine and alcohol – in 2024, exports to the USA were valued at 3.8 billion euros. Currently, a 15% tariff is in effect, which France is trying to reduce to zero.
Trump’s Peace Council Initiative
The American leader announced tariffs after Emmanuel Macron rejected his proposal to join the Peace Council. Asked about this by journalists in Florida, Trump cut the topic short: “No one wants him [Macron – ed.], because he will leave office soon. If they are hostile, I will impose 200% tariffs on his wines and champagnes, and he will join us. But he doesn’t have to.”
Trump reportedly offered membership to leaders of 60 countries worldwide, including Russia and Belarus. The Council’s task would have been the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
“The idea of the new initiative raises serious questions, especially regarding respect for the principles and structure of the United Nations, which in no way can be undermined,” warned the Élysée Palace.
Macron’s Private Message
Earlier, Donald Trump shared a text message from Emmanuel Macron. “My friend, on Syria we are completely in agreement. We can achieve great things regarding Iran. I don’t understand what you’re doing about Greenland,” read a fragment of Macron’s message.
The message also mentioned a possible G7 group meeting in Paris after the World Economic Forum in Davos, as well as an invitation for a private dinner for both leaders. A source from Macron’s office confirmed the message is authentic.
The post appeared as Donald Trump intensified pressure on Denmark and other European countries to agree to hand over Greenland to US control.