France Opposes US Tariffs, Supports EU Countermeasures

French President Macron strongly opposes the US decision to impose 30% tariffs on EU exports from August 1st. Macron says France will support the European Commission's position, which includes preparing countermeasures if no agreement is reached. Macron emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and safeguarding common interests in the negotiations.

French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly opposed the U.S. decision to impose 30% tariffs on EU exports from August 1st. Macron, during a visit to southern France, emphasized the importance of concluding a trade deal between the European Union and the United States as soon as possible [2]. He expressed his preference for a zero-tariff deal, though acknowledged that a more realistic outcome might involve "10% for 10%" customs duties.

Macron reiterated his stance on the need for open markets, not new tariffs. He also highlighted that France will support the European Commission's position, which includes preparing countermeasures if no agreement is reached by the July 9th deadline. The EU faces a 50% tariff on nearly all EU exports to the U.S. if no deal is struck by this date [2].

In a statement, Macron underscored the importance of mutual respect and safeguarding common interests in the ongoing negotiations. The French President's stance aligns with that of the EU, which has expressed its readiness to take proportionate countermeasures to protect its interests [1].

The U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose the new 30% tariffs on Mexico and the European Union, effective from August 1st, citing the U.S.'s trade deficit with these trading partners [1]. Trump has stated that the tariffs will be lifted if both trading partners, or their companies, decide to build or manufacture products within the United States.

The EU's President Ursula von der Leyen has stated that such tariffs would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers, and patients on both sides of the Atlantic. She has noted that the EU will continue to work toward striking a deal by August 1st, but would take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests if required [1].

References:
[1] https://www.investopedia.com/trump-announces-30-tariffs-on-eu-and-mexico-from-aug-1-11771013
[2] https://uatv.ua/en/macron-wants-eu-us-trade-deal-as-soon-as-possible-ahead-of-trump-s-tariff-deadline-afp/