EU caves to pressure from Trump and won’t put tariffs on Jack Daniels, Makers Mark

New York Post - Apr 9th, 2025

The European Union has decided to exempt American-made bourbon and whiskey from a new set of retaliatory tariffs, following intense pressure from President Trump. Initially included on the EU's list of US imports to be taxed, iconic brands like Maker's Mark and Jack Daniels were removed after member nations such as France, Italy, and Ireland advocated for their exclusion. President Trump had threatened a 200% tariff on European alcohol imports if the EU proceeded with its initial plan, causing the EU to revise its list. The updated tariffs, ranging from 10% to 25%, now affect products like poultry, orange juice, and soybeans, with implementation staggered between April and December. The final tariffs are projected to impact approximately $23 billion in US goods, a decrease from the original $28 billion proposal. EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič emphasized the EU's strategic approach to avoid an escalating tit-for-tat trade war.

This development highlights ongoing tensions between the EU and the US over trade policies. The decision to exempt whiskey is seen as a strategic move to protect European alcohol exports and avoid further economic damage. The exemption is a relief to the US spirits industry, which faced potential significant losses. American whiskey exports to the EU had suffered previously due to tariffs but have rebounded significantly since their suspension. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remains open to negotiations, particularly on eliminating tariffs on industrial goods. However, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck warned of the potential for greater economic damage if EU member states fail to present a united front in the trade conflict.

Donald Trump Tariffs European Union Ursula Von Der Leyen Trade Negotiations Us Exports Bourbon Whiskey Maroš šefčovič Robert Habeck

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RATING

5.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an informative overview of the EU's decision to exempt American bourbon and whiskey from new tariffs, emphasizing the alleged influence of President Trump's threats. While the narrative is timely and of public interest, the lack of direct evidence, source attribution, and detailed quotes limits the article's accuracy and source quality. The story is clear and engaging, but a more balanced exploration of the EU's motivations and considerations would enhance its depth. Overall, the article effectively highlights the complexities of international trade negotiations, but its impact and engagement are constrained by the absence of comprehensive sourcing and verification.

Accuracy

The story claims that the European Union exempted American bourbon and whiskey from new retaliatory tariffs due to pressure from President Trump. While it is plausible, the story lacks direct evidence or official statements confirming this specific exemption or Trump's alleged threat of a 200% tariff on European alcohol imports. The figures regarding the EU's tariff measures and their economic impact are presented but require verification from official documents, which are not cited in the article. Additionally, while the story mentions reactions from EU officials and industry representatives, it does not provide direct quotes or sources for these statements, leaving room for potential inaccuracies.

Balance

The article predominantly presents the perspective that the EU's decision was heavily influenced by President Trump's threats, potentially overshadowing other factors that may have contributed to the decision. While it includes quotes from EU officials and industry representatives, the focus remains on the US perspective, particularly emphasizing the positive reactions from the American whiskey industry. The article could benefit from a more balanced exploration of the EU's motivations and considerations beyond the US pressure narrative.

Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, effectively conveying the main points and narrative. It provides a logical flow of information, detailing the sequence of events and the reactions from various stakeholders. However, the lack of direct quotes and specific sources can lead to confusion about the veracity of the claims. The tone remains neutral, but the clarity could be enhanced by providing more detailed evidence and citations.

Source quality

The article does not cite specific sources or documents to substantiate its claims, which affects its credibility. It mentions statements from EU officials and industry representatives but lacks direct quotes or references to official documents. The absence of attributed sources or evidence makes it challenging to assess the reliability of the information presented, and the reader must rely on the unnamed sources' credibility.

Transparency

The article does not provide sufficient transparency regarding its sources or the basis for its claims. It lacks citations of official EU documents or statements that would verify the exemption of American whiskey from tariffs. Additionally, there is no disclosure of the methodology used to gather the information, which could help readers understand the context and reliability of the claims made. The lack of transparency in sourcing and methodology limits the reader's ability to assess the article's impartiality and accuracy.