Trump Floats 200% Wine Tariffs After Macron Rejects Peace Panel

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Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated trade tensions with France by threatening to impose 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne following French President Emmanuel Macron’s reported refusal to join Trump’s newly proposed “Board of Peace”, aimed at overseeing global conflict resolution efforts.

 Speaking to reporters in Miami, Trump suggested that dramatically higher duties on French alcoholic exports could serve as leverage to persuade Paris to change course and participate in the peace initiative. “I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join. But he doesn’t have to join,” Trump said, referring to Macron.

 The Board of Peace concept, originally linked to monitoring the ceasefire and reconstruction process in Gaza, was broadened by the Trump administration to include a wider role in managing global conflicts. Invitations have been sent to leaders from several countries, but a source close to Macron said Paris does not intend to accept the invitation at this stage, citing concerns about the board’s scope and potential implications for the United Nations system.

 Trump’s comments reflect a combative approach that underscores growing rifts between Washington and key European partners on issues ranging from peace diplomacy to trade policy. The U.S. imported billions of dollars’ worth of French wine and champagne in recent years, and a tariff of 200% would drastically alter pricing and market access, industry analysts say.

 French officials have already criticised Trump’s threat, calling the prospect of punishing tariff hikes “unacceptable” and warning that Europe may coordinate a collective response to defend its economic and diplomatic interests. Paris has emphasised that trade should not be used as a tool to influence sovereign foreign policy decisions.

 The threatened tariff comes on top of other trade frictions between the United States and Europe, including earlier U.S. threats targeting several European nations over unrelated disputes. Observers warn that aggressive tariff rhetoric could worsen transatlantic relations and provoke retaliatory measures from the European Union if implemented.

 Macron’s office has not officially confirmed whether the invitation will be formally declined, but the government’s reported stance signals a growing diplomatic divergence with Washington at a moment when Western allies are facing multiple global security and economic challenges.