US President Donald Trump’s threat of a 100% tax on French wine has intensified diplomatic tensions ahead of the G7 summit in Évian, France, according to tagesschau.de. Trump warned that if France does not repeal its 3% digital tax on American technology companies, he will impose steep tariffs on French wines and champagne. He conveyed the message directly to French President Emmanuel Macron, stating the US has ‘no other choice.’

Geopolitical tensions and the G7 agenda

According to CNN en Español. Trump entered the G7 summit in a position of strength, having secured a deal after months of conflict with other G7 leaders. The war with Iran and the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz remain key topics of discussion, while Trump criticized other G7 leaders for their reluctance to cooperate in securing the critical maritime route, which has led to rising energy prices. France and the UK have pledged to form a coalition to help clear mines placed by Iran in the strait once the conflict ends.

Three Arab leaders—Egypt. Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—will also participate in discussions, as invited by Macron; Trump has planned individual meetings with them to address regional issues, while the G7 summit will also focus on the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US and its allies over digital tax policies and trade disputes.

Trump-Macron tensions and diplomatic delays

RP Online reported that Trump and Macron’s initial bilateral meeting at the G7 summit was delayed by nearly an hour due to an extended conversation between Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Macron announced he would approach the meeting with Trump ‘respectfully and firmly,’ following Trump’s threat of tariffs on French wine. Macron reacted angrily to the threat, stating in a TF1 interview, ‘That’s not how it works.’

Photos from the summit show a ‘cold handshake’ between Trump and Macron, reflecting the strained atmosphere. Macron denied hosting a ‘Galadinner’ for Trump, clarifying it was merely an opportunity to commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence. Trump was not greeted with a red carpet upon arrival, but was officially welcomed later by Macron and his wife at the G7 event in Évian.

Latin American and European priorities

According to EFE, Brazilian President Lula da Silva is seeking a strategic meeting with Trump during the G7 summit in response to the US’s threat of new tariffs on Brazilian goods. Lula has criticized Jair Bolsonaro Jr. for encouraging what he sees as a potential US military intervention. Lula also plans to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to address a European ban on Brazilian meat and animal products, which will take effect on September 3. The decision has caused concern within Brazilian diplomacy.

Lula’s meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is already confirmed, with expectations of progress on an economic partnership agreement between Japan and the Mercosur trade bloc. The agreement follows the signing of a Strategic Partnership Framework in December. Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Takaichi ahead of the G7 summit, with Meloni seeking to mend relations with Trump after previous tensions.