The European Union has delayed implementing a 50% tariff on U.S. whiskey until mid-April. The move aligns with other countermeasures the EU has opted for in response to the Trump administration’s extensive tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic revealed the postponement, citing that the EU is considering synchronizing the timing of two sets of countermeasures, which would allow further consultations with member states and provide additional time for discussions with U.S. counterparts.
The EU initially intended to reinstate 2018 tariffs on $4.9 billion (€4.5 billion) of U.S. goods, with a second phase targeting $18 billion worth of products. Proposed measures also include a 50% duty on U.S. bourbon. In response, Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on all EU wines and alcoholic beverages if the measures move forward.
The EU tariff package was initially designed to be implemented in two stages. Negotiation delays have disrupted the planned timeline for Europe’s retaliatory tariffs.
The first phase included 50% tariffs on U.S. whiskey, motorboats, and motorcycles. The second phase, scheduled for April 13, targeted beer, poultry, beef, and products like soybeans, tomatoes, and raspberries. Together, both phases, affecting approximately €26 billion ($28 billion) in U.S. exports, are now set to take effect on April 13.
The Trump administration also plans to implement reciprocal tariffs on April 2, aiming to restore balance in global trade.
The postponement offers officials a chance to reconsider imposing steep tariffs on sensitive goods like bourbon. Europe seeks to prevent a trade war with the U.S., its largest trade and investment partner. Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic emphasized the importance of protecting and strengthening this critical relationship during a speech in Brussels.
All tariffs are set to take effect next month, imposing higher duties on exports. The EU remains open to ‘constructive dialogue’ with the U.S. to find solution that minimizes harm to both economies, an EU spokesperson said to Bloomberg News.
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