France, EU Resist U.S. Tariff Threats Amid Trade Dispute

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on alcoholic beverages from Europe, including wine and champagne, in response to the European Union's planned 50% tariff on American whiskey. This move could severely impact European beverage producers like Rémy Cointreau and has led to market declines for companies such as Pernod Ricard and LVMH. The proposed tariffs are part of a broader trade dispute with the EU, following earlier U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. French leaders, including Prime Minister François Bayrou and Foreign Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin, have vowed not to yield and are prepared to retaliate. Some U.S. lawmakers and local businesses see potential benefits for domestic producers, while local American breweries are concerned about rising can prices due to existing tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.