France urges EU to step up pressure on US over new tariffs
France urges EU to step up pressure on US over new tariffs (Getty Images)
The French government is demanding that EU leadership increase pressure on the United States in trade negotiations over the introduction of new tariffs, Politico reports.
According to the outlet, French officials believe that European negotiators must "make it clear that we're ready to press the red button" if Donald Trump refuses to agree to acceptable trade terms.
An unnamed French official stated that the European Commission needs to recognize it is dealing with an ally who is "raising tensions in a trade war it started."
"This is what prompted us to raise our voice and to ask the Commission to be firm," the official told the publication.
France's demands regarding the EU's position reflect the intense pressure governments are under as they try to respond to President Trump's efforts to dismantle global trade norms.
French officials speaking to the outlet said they are not criticizing Brussels' current negotiation strategy. However, France believes the EU must now adopt a tougher stance, warning that any sign of capitulation would weaken Europe and undermine its chances of securing favorable terms.
Background
Earlier, French Finance Minister Éric Lombard acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations and stated that the EU is prepared to take balanced measures to protect its interests.
The United States is pushing for broad tariffs of over 10% on European goods, with limited exemptions including aviation, certain pharmaceuticals, and industrial equipment.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Latnick expressed confidence in reaching an agreement, emphasizing that opening markets is preferable to imposing high tariffs.
Previously, Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on automobiles and a 50% tariff on copper, with overall tariffs now covering around 70% of European exports to the US, worth approximately €380 billion.
Siemens CEO Roland Busch stressed that eliminating uncertainty is key to restoring investment and driving economic growth.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič warned that implementing 30% tariffs on European imports would effectively dismantle transatlantic trade. According to him, such tariffs would nearly halt commerce between the EU and the US, which currently exceeds €4.4 billion daily.
Trump had earlier announced plans to impose 30% tariffs on most goods imported from the European Union and Mexico starting August 1.
