Macron urges swift EU response to US tariffs, calls for 'credible countermeasures'

FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his “strong disapproval” of the United States’ decision to impose sweeping 30 per cent tariffs on European Union exports from 1 August, calling for the urgent preparation of credible countermeasures.

Writing on X, Macron stated that France shared the European Commission’s firm rejection of the move, which he described as a threat to the EU’s economic interests.

“Along with the President of the European Commission, France shares the same very strong disapproval at the announcement of horizontal 30 per cent tariffs on EU exports to the United States from August 1st,” he said.

Macron urged the European Commission to demonstrate its resolve by taking immediate steps to defend the bloc’s interests. “This implies speeding up the preparation of credible countermeasures, by mobilising all the instruments at its disposal, including anti-coercion, if no agreement is reached by August 1st,” he added.

The French president also reiterated his full support for ongoing negotiations aimed at reaching a compromise with Washington, but stressed that any agreement must reflect mutual respect and account for the integrated nature of transatlantic value chains.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of new tariffs targeting goods from the EU and Mexico, a move that has cast doubt over efforts to finalise a long-anticipated transatlantic trade deal.

In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump confirmed the 30 per cent tariff decision in separate letters addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, citing the need to protect American industries.

In response, von der Leyen affirmed the EU’s willingness to pursue a negotiated solution before the deadline but warned that the bloc would not hesitate to act if necessary.

“The European Commission is ready to work towards an agreement with the US by 1 August, but we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including adopting proportionate countermeasures,” she said. - July 13, 2025