Full Breakdown
Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on French Wine Over Digital Services Tax
6/15/2026, 8:33:24 AM
Threat at the G7 Summit
President Donald Trump warned President Emmanuel Macron that the United States will impose a 100% tariff on all French wines and champagne unless Paris drops its 3% digital services tax on U.S. tech firms. The warning came in a New York Post interview ahead of the G7 meeting in Évian-les-Bains.
Background and Key Players
France’s 3% digital levy, introduced in 2019, taxes the gross revenue of large digital platforms and generated about $700 million last year. The United States calls the tax discriminatory and previously proposed a 100% wine tariff in a 2019 trade probe. Key actors are President Donald Trump, President Emmanuel Macron, former Economy Minister Roland Lescure, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and White House spokesman Kush Desai.
Data and Statistics
French wine sales to the United States total roughly $2 billion annually, about one-fifth of global revenue, while EU alcohol exports to the United States were €9 billion in 2024. The current U.S. tariff on EU wines and spirits is 15%, though France seeks a zero-rate; in October 2024 the French National Assembly voted 296-58 to raise the levy to 6% before a ministerial veto.
Official Statements & Responses
The White House has not commented, but spokesman Kush Desai cited a February 2025 memo saying U.S. firms should no longer face “extortive fines and taxes” abroad and urged a review of the French levy. French officials have not responded.
Criticism & Opposition
Former Economy Minister Roland Lescure warned that a “disproportionate” tax would invite “disproportionate” American reprisals, reflecting domestic concerns. Canada abandoned its digital tax in 2025 after U.S. pressure, and Italy is reportedly reviewing a similar rollback.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
A senior source close to Macron said the dispute was “no longer up for debate,” a claim the United States called “not accurate.” Neither the White House nor the Élysée Palace responded, leaving the negotiation status unclear.
Why It Matters
The clash links a $2 billion wine market with digital-tax policy, testing G7 unity and threatening transatlantic trade norms.
What’s Next
The G7 summit runs through Wednesday, offering a diplomatic venue. The U.S. Trade Representative may reopen the probe, and French officials are expected to state their position before the summit ends.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I asked [President Emmanuel Macron] not to charge American companies, and if they do, I have no choice but to charge a 100% tariff on all champagnes and all wines coming out of France,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “All (Macron) has to do is get rid of the sales tax, and he wouldn’t have that kind of pressure.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “Then-Economy Minister Roland Lescure warned at the time that a “disproportionate” tax would invite “disproportionate” American reprisals.” — Roland Lescure, former French Economy Minister
- “no longer up for debate” — Senior source close to President Emmanuel Macron
