Facing an aggressive 200% tariff threat from President Donald Trump, the European Union has paused its planned trade strike against U.S. goods, including whiskey. The tariffs had been set to start rolling out at the end of March but are now on hold until mid-April.
While the European Commission claims the delay is about product review, it comes just days after Trump warned that alcohol exports from Europe would be slammed with crippling duties if the EU taxed American whiskey.
European leaders have not been united behind the proposed tariffs. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni was the first to raise objections, questioning the wisdom of a trade fight. She was soon joined by France’s Francois Bayrou and Ireland’s Michael Martin, who both urged caution.
The Commission’s plan had targeted $28 billion in U.S. products, reviving measures used during Trump’s first term. A 50% tax on American whiskey was to be a headline item, with blue jeans and motorcycles also on the list.
Trump’s recent action — reinstating tariffs on imported steel and aluminum — was the spark for the EU’s plan. But European hesitation grew quickly once Trump pledged to retaliate against French wine and other major exports.
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic acknowledged Thursday that further talks with Washington will likely have to wait until after April 2, when the full scope of Trump’s reciprocal tariffs takes effect.
The EU’s latest move marks a significant retreat from its earlier posture, as member states begin to calculate the risks of a prolonged economic clash with a president known for hardball tactics.
