France warns EU will retaliate against US tariffs
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot cautioned on Monday that the European Union will respond in kind to any tariffs imposed by the United States, urging Washington to avoid a trade war.
“There is no hesitation when it comes to defending our interests,” Barrot stated in an interview with TF1, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that Washington will impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminium products this week.
When asked if France and the EU would retaliate, Barrot affirmed, “Of course. It’s not a surprise. This is exactly what Donald Trump did in 2018. At that time, we responded in kind, and we will do so again.”
Regarding specific countermeasures, Barrot noted that the European Commission will determine which sectors will be targeted.
The tariffs on steel and aluminium imports are the latest in a series of trade measures announced by Trump, sparking fears of a global trade war.
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking to CNN, argued that the EU should not be Washington’s primary concern, urging the US to focus on China instead.
“Is the European Union your first problem? No, I don’t think so. Your first problem is China, so you should focus on that,” Macron said, adding that the EU must be prepared to respond to US actions.
