Macron tries to dissuade Trump from imposing tariffs on Europe
Photo: French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
French President Emmanuel Macron, during his visit to the United States, advised his American counterpart, Donald Trump, not to start a trade war with Europe. Instead, he urged him to focus on China, Politico reports.
"Come on, you cannot have a trade war with China and Europe at the same time. I hope I convinced him," Macron said in an interview with Fox News after he met with Trump.
According to the French president, Washington's priority now is "to put tariffs on China." In his view, a simultaneous trade war with Europe contradicts US interests.
"I hope I did convince him (Donald Trump – ed.) on trade and tariffs. I told him: It’s very important for you not to launch new tariffs," Macron added.
25% tariffs
The media outlet adds that in early February, Trump proposed imposing 25% tariffs on a wide range of imported goods, including those from Europe. The US president also threatened "reciprocal" tariffs in response to a series of regulatory restrictions and taxes that Washington considers discriminatory. In particular, this refers to the value-added tax (VAT), which is applied in most countries worldwide.
During their meeting in Washington, Macron tried to persuade Trump not to implement these tariffs. He emphasized that Europe had done nothing to justify a US response.
"VAT is not a tariff, and I argued it. We didn't tariff the US," Macron told Trump.
The French president also made it clear to Trump that Europe would not be able to increase defense spending, as the US demands, in the event of a trade war.
Visit to the US
Macron’s visit to the White House took place on Monday, February 24. He traveled to Washington to discuss prospects for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine amid sharp disagreements between the US and Europe on how to proceed.
Following this trip, European Council President António Costa will organize a video conference with EU leaders. They will listen to a report from French President Emmanuel Macron on his meeting with US President Donald Trump. This will take place on the morning of February 26, ahead of a special EU summit dedicated to Ukraine’s security.
