Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on alcohol exports from the EU just a day after meeting the Taoiseach in Washington.

Well, just 24 hours after saying he doesn't want to hurt Ireland, Donald Trump has threatened massive tariffs on one of Ireland's largest exports.

As part of retaliatory tariffs on the US the European Union is proposing a 50% tax on US whiskey.

Barman giving whiskey glass with booze and bottle- concept image. Image: luckyraccoon / Alamy. 20 March 2013

Donald Trump took to social media earlier to again call the EU one of the most abusive taxing authorities in the world.

He has threatened a 200% tariff on wine, champagne and alcoholic products coming out of the EU.

Ireland's alcohol exports were worth €2.1 billion last year, with whiskey making up half of that.

The US accounted for 40% of all whiskey exports last year alone.

'Extremely concerning'

The Irish Whiskey Association has said the tariff threats are extremely concerning and could be devastating for the industry - while putting jobs, businesses and investments at risk.

"The U.S. is our biggest trading partner, and the export value of Irish drinks is over €800 million per annum," an Association spokesperson said.

"The European Commission announcement of counter-measures yesterday, implicating US whiskey, along with the statement this morning from President Trump, is extremely concerning to us.

"Our products are bound to the land – Irish Whiskey will always be Irish, just as Kentucky bourbon will always be Kentuckian.

Workers sealing bourbon bottles at Maker's Mark Kentucky bourbon distillery, near Loretto, KY. Founded in 1953 by T.W. Samuels, Image: Luc Novovitch / Alamy. 9 January 2009

"There is no winner in a trade war. The imposition of tariffs will impact on our businesses and our consumers.

"Having our sector implicated in this dispute puts jobs, investments and businesses at risk and has the potential to be devastating for Irish Whiskey.

"The need to remove spirits from this dispute is immediate, and the clock is ticking.”

Taoiseach Micheal Martin is continuing his trip to the United States with today already set to be dominated by trade.

Adding this latest tariff announcement into the mix ramps up the pressure once again, just a few hours after he had what he felt was quite a positive meeting with Donald Trump.

Main image: Donald Trump (L) and a glass of whiskey (R).