Trump warns France in exclusive interview with The Post: Kill tech tax or face 100% wine tariffs
President Trump has issued a stern warning to France, stating that the country could face a new trade war with the United States if it does not repeal its digital tax on American tech giants. In an exclusive interview with The Post, Trump emphasized that unless Paris eliminates the 3% tech levy, the US will be forced to impose 100% tariffs on French wines.
The ultimatum was delivered directly to outgoing French President Emmanuel Macron, with Trump highlighting the significant impact such duties would have on the French wine industry, which relies heavily on the American market for sales exceeding $2 billion annually.
The threat sets the stage for a potentially contentious showdown at the upcoming G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, where global trade policies and economic strategies are typically discussed among the world’s wealthiest democracies.
France’s digital services tax, known as the GAFAM tax, has been in effect since 2019, targeting major US tech companies like Google, Amazon, Meta, and Apple. The policy’s focus on gross revenue rather than profits has led to tensions between France and the US, culminating in Trump’s recent warning of escalating tariffs.
While Macron has been praised for his ability to negotiate with Trump in the past, the current administration is taking a tougher stance on international trade issues. The potential imposition of 100% tariffs on French wines underscores the growing rift between the two nations on taxing tech giants.
Overall, Trump’s latest threat represents a significant shift in US foreign policy, signaling a willingness to challenge allies on trade matters. The implications of this stance extend beyond France, as other countries like Canada and Italy have reconsidered their own digital tax policies in response to US pressure.
As the G7 summit unfolds in Évian, the global implications of these trade disputes will undoubtedly take center stage, highlighting the complexities of international economic relations in an increasingly interconnected world.
