US President Donald Trump has come back to the practice of putting tariff threats to use as a foreign policy tool. He has warned various countries about trade penalties, but he has not made it clear whether he is talking about allies or rivals. The most recent case is his threat to impose a 200 percent tariff on imports of wine and champagne from France.
Dispute Over the Gaza Peace Council
- The warning came on the heels of French President Emmanuel Macron’s turning down of Trump’s invitation to participate in the proposed Gaza peace council. While talking to the press, Trump showed his dissatisfaction and stated that the tariffs would be directed at French wine and champagne exports to the US.
- Trump explained that the tariffs were meant to put pressure on Macron to allow his joining the council. He said that it was not necessary to be immediately present at the discussions, but opined that the economic pressure would affect the decision of France.
Private Message Shared by Trump
Trump also talked about a private message he claimed he got from Macron. According to Trump, the message acknowledged common ground between the two politicians on the issues of Iran and Syria. It also raised a question about the US stance on Greenland. The message was said to refer to plans for a G7 meeting in Paris after the Davos summit, as well as a suggested dinner meeting before Trump’s trip to the United States.
Background of the Gaza Council Proposal
- Trump, who was the chair of the proposed council, invited not only the US but also India and other countries to take part. The council was to help with the peace process in Gaza. Its initial role was to raise funds and supervise the rebuilding of the area. The proposal was associated with the second phase of the truce between Israel and Hamas.
- Macron declined to participate in the initiative. Earlier, Trump had also announced a 10 percent additional tariff on countries that did not support the US position on Greenland.
France’s Response
In response to the tariff threats, Macron stated that France would not give in to economic pressure. He added that the European Union should be prepared to use its strongest trade measures if necessary. It was against this backdrop that Trump’s warning of 200 percent tariffs on French wine and champagne emerged.
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