PARIS, March 13 (Xinhua) -- France will retaliate if the United States follows through on a threat to impose a 200-percent tariff on all wines and spirits coming from France and other European Union (EU) countries, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin said on Thursday.

On his X account, Saint-Martin accused U.S. President Donald Trump of "escalating the trade war."

"France remains determined to respond with the European Commission and our partners," he said, emphasizing that France and the EU would not give in to threats.

French Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine echoed the stance, saying that there would be an "immediate, firm, and appropriate" response if Washington implements the tariff.

Trump's administration recently announced a 25-percent tariff on imports of steel, aluminum, and certain products containing steel and aluminum from the EU. In retaliation, the bloc announced a 50-percent tariff on American whisky on Wednesday.

The EU's move has irritated the White House. In response, Trump threatened to put a 200-percent tariff on all wines, champagnes, and alcoholic products from France and other EU countries unless the whisky-targeted tariff is lifted immediately. Enditem

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