Macron Rejected Trump’s Wine Tariff Threat at G7 summit

The tariff clash between U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron erupted just as leaders gathered in France for the opening of the G7 summit, threatening to overshadow discussions on global security and economic cooperation. At the center of the dispute is Trump’s threat to impose a 100% tariff on French wines and champagne unless Paris abandons its digital services tax on major American technology companies.

In an exclusive interview with the New York Post before departing for France, Trump delivered a direct warning to Macron. «I asked him 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.» Trump framed the dispute as a response to what he considers unfair treatment of American businesses operating in France.

Trump made clear that his ultimatum centers on France’s digital services tax, which targets revenue generated by large technology companies. He argued that the solution was straightforward, saying: «All [Macron] has to do is get rid of the sales tax, and he wouldn’t have that kind of pressure.» The White House has long maintained that the tax disproportionately affects U.S.-based companies such as Google, Amazon, Meta and Apple.

The French digital services tax was introduced in 2019 and imposes a 3% levy on digital revenues generated in France by large multinational technology companies. Paris argues that global technology firms should pay taxes where they generate economic activity. The measure has become a symbol of Europe’s broader effort to regulate American technology giants and reduce dependence on foreign digital platforms.

The economic implications of Trump’s threat are significant. The United States remains the largest export market for French wines, champagne and spirits, accounting for more than $2 billion in annual sales. Industry groups have repeatedly warned that a 100% tariff would severely damage French producers, many of whom rely heavily on American consumers for a substantial portion of their revenue.

Macron quickly rejected Trump’s demands and insisted that French policy would not be dictated by Washington. Responding to the tariff threat, he stated: «This digital tax, which several European countries have decided on and implemented, is part of our law. It’s not the US that decides European or French law — that’s normal and it won’t be any different, at least as long as I am around.»

The French president reinforced his position by emphasizing that national legislation remains a sovereign matter. «It is not up to the United States to decide on the laws of Europeans, nor of the French.» Macron’s comments were widely viewed as an attempt to project strength ahead of the summit and reassure European partners that France would not yield to economic pressure from Washington.

The tariff confrontation follows an earlier disagreement involving Trump’s proposed international “Board of Peace” initiative. France reportedly declined to participate in the project, which Trump has promoted as a new mechanism for addressing international conflicts outside traditional institutions. The disagreement further strained relations between the two leaders before the start of the G7 summit.

Trump previously suggested he could escalate the dispute even further. Speaking about Macron’s refusal to support the initiative, Trump remarked: «Did he say that? Well, nobody wants him because he will be out of office very soon.» He then added: «I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join. But he doesn’t have to join.» French officials condemned the comments as an inappropriate attempt to use economic pressure to influence foreign policy decisions.

The timing of the clash has drawn particular attention because it unfolded just hours before Trump arrived in Évian-les-Bains. G7 leaders had hoped to focus on issues such as Middle East stability, global economic growth and international security. Instead, the tariff dispute immediately became one of the dominant political stories surrounding the summit’s opening sessions.

Despite the pressure, Macron indicated that France would not alter its position.

«We will have a respectful but firm discussion. Tariffs don’t do anyone any good, especially tariffs between G7 countries.» Asked whether he intended to yield to Trump’s demands, Macron responded directly:

«No, because that is not how it works.» As summit meetings began, the dispute highlighted broader tensions between the United States and Europe over trade, technology regulation and the future of transatlantic relations.