President Donald Trump’s tough talk on tariffs appears to have stopped European action in its tracks. The EU has decided to delay a planned series of new tariffs on American goods, amid growing internal concerns over Trump’s response.
Instead of launching the duties in March as planned, the EU will wait until mid-April — giving space for talks that may or may not happen. The list of targeted items includes bourbon whiskey, denim and motorcycles, aimed at striking U.S. exports that have political weight in key regions.
European Commission spokesman Olof Gill cited the need for more time to prepare, but recent comments from European leaders suggest a deeper concern over Trump’s 200% threat on European alcohol.
Trump had warned that if the EU pressed forward with taxing American whiskey at 50%, he would hit back hard on European wine and spirits. That message prompted resistance from within Europe’s own governments.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she doesn’t believe trade retaliation is the right move. Her concerns were echoed by French and Irish officials, who worry about the long-term impact on Europe’s own exporters.
Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic admitted Thursday that negotiations are not making progress and likely won’t resume until after April 2, when the White House’s wider reciprocal tariffs are expected to launch.
This round of European tariffs would impact roughly $28 billion in American products, reviving tensions from Trump’s first term. For now, though, Trump’s threat appears to have halted the EU’s plan in its tracks.
