Business owners in Colorado Springs are expressing concern over President Trump’s announcement of a potential 200% tariff on alcohol imported from Europe, should the European Union introduce a 50% tariff on American whiskey. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that this tariff would benefit U.S. wine and champagne businesses.

Local wine retailers are already grappling with the challenges posed by the industry. Andrew Yun, the manager at Pine Creek Wine & Spirits, highlighted the struggles faced by his business. He explained that the anticipated tariff could significantly impact his operations, especially given the razor-thin profit margins most wine retailers experience. He is apprehensive about whether the 200% tariff will actually be implemented.

Justin Niven, the manager of the Wine Gallery, remarked that this wouldn’t be the first time the wine industry has faced tariffs. The previous Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on wines from France, Spain, and Germany in 2019, which had already driven up prices. Niven hopes that the situation does not escalate to the level of the proposed tariff.

Both managers are closely monitoring the evolving situation, acknowledging that, for now, the 200% tariff remains a threat rather than a certainty. They hope for stability in pricing amidst the uncertainty.