The European Union was probably mistaken in targeting American whiskey in its riposte to U.S. tariffs, French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou said on Sunday, calling for talks to avoid more damaging duties on France's cognac industry.

Trump said he would impose the tariff if the European Union continues with its plan to impose a 50% tariff on whiskey beginning in April.

"The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

President Trump’s threat of a 200% tariff on European wine collides with Champagne makers’ resistance to uproot from France.

The United States is the biggest export market for champagne, made exclusively in its home region in eastern France.