President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened a 200% tariff on European wine, Champagne and spirits if the European Union goes forward with a planned 50% tariff on American whiskey. Wine sellers and importers said a tariff of that size would essentially shut down the European wine business in the U.S.

Industry representatives warned that a 200 percent tax on European wines and spirits would halt shipments to the United States and wipe €4 billion off France’s trade balance.

The owner of one of France's top Bordeaux wine chateaux hopes U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of 200% tariffs on European wine is just posturing because the impact would be devastating if not. Trump on Thursday threatened to slap a 200% tariff on European wines and other alcoholic products unless the European Union scraps its planned tax on American whiskey.