French PM says EU tariff on American bourbon probably mistaken

France calls for talks as EU bourbon tariffs backfire

Robert Besser
19 Mar 2025, 10:50 GMT+10

French PM says EU tariff on American bourbon probably mistaken

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou acknowledged over the weekend that the European Union may have miscalculated by including American bourbon in its response to U.S. tariffs, calling for negotiations to prevent further economic damage to France’s cognac industry
Bayrou’s remarks come after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened a 200 percent tariff on all European wines and alcoholic beverages if the EU moves forward with its planned tax on U.S. bourbon
The proposed duties are part of the EU’s retaliation against U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum

PARIS, France: French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou acknowledged over the weekend that the European Union may have miscalculated by including American bourbon in its response to U.S. tariffs, calling for negotiations to prevent further economic damage to France's cognac industry.

Bayrou's remarks come after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened a 200 percent tariff on all European wines and alcoholic beverages if the EU moves forward with its planned tax on U.S. bourbon. The proposed duties are part of the EU's retaliation against U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.

"Have some missteps been made? Yes, probably, because Kentucky bourbon has been included as if it were a trade threat," Bayrou said in an interview with France Inter radio. "A very old (product) list has been retrieved without it being checked like it should have been."

His comments reflect a growing concern among European producers, particularly in France, where cognac makers are already dealing with separate Chinese tariffs in response to EU duties on Chinese electric vehicles.

Bayrou met with representatives of the cognac industry on Friday and expressed hope that discussions with Washington and Beijing could ease trade tensions. With the EU's first round of counter-tariffs, including those on bourbon, set to take effect on April 1, French officials are eager to prevent further escalation.

While Bayrou is expected to travel to China for trade talks, no official dates have been announced.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Malaysia Sun.

More Information

null in null

Southeast Asia

Section

Vietnam, US sign energy and minerals deals amid trade talks

US, Vietnam firms sign deals on energy and minerals

HANOI, Vietnam: As Vietnam seeks to strengthen trade ties and avoid potential U.S. tariffs, companies from both countries signed agreements...

Jaguar Land Rover opts out of EV production at Tata’s India plant

JLR shelves plan to build EVs at Tata's India plant

NEW DELHI, India: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has decided against manufacturing electric vehicles at Tata Motors' upcoming $1 billion factory...

BLA announces "successful completion" of Operation Dar-e-Bolan, accuses Pak army of resorting to lies to cover up defeat

Balochistan [Pakistan], March 19 (ANI): The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) announced the 'successful conclusion' of Operation Dar-e-Bolan...

I think Maldives will be a good test: India defender Rahul Bheke

Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], March 19 (ANI): Indian football team defender Rahul Bheke anticipates a litmus test as the Blue Tigers...

Sophie Devine, Melie Kerr, Lea Tahuhu return as New Zealand Women announce squad for T20I series against Australia

Wellington [New Zealand], March 19 (ANI): Several big names like Sophie Devine, Melie Kerr, and Lea Tahuhu rejoined the squad as New...

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge discusses collaboration in sports technology with Australian delegation

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 19 (ANI): Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge met with an Australian delegation, led by Michelle...

Business

Section

France calls for talks as EU bourbon tariffs backfire

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Southeast Asia

Vietnam, US sign energy and minerals deals amid trade talks

Jaguar Land Rover opts out of EV production at Tata’s India plant

BLA announces "successful completion" of Operation Dar-e-Bolan, accuses Pak army of resorting to lies to cover up defeat

I think Maldives will be a good test: India defender Rahul Bheke

Sophie Devine, Melie Kerr, Lea Tahuhu return as New Zealand Women announce squad for T20I series against Australia

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge discusses collaboration in sports technology with Australian delegation

Business

France calls for talks as EU bourbon tariffs backfire

U.S. stock markets slide, Dow Jones drops 260 points

Expansion of Montana coal mine approved by US

Tampa Bay Rays pull out of ballpark project over costs, delays

Vietnam, US sign energy and minerals deals amid trade talks

U.S. and world stock markets swamped by buyers Monday

Movie Review

Three Ages [Blu-Ray]