EU to retaliate over tariffs imposed by the US
The European Union will counter any tariffs imposed by the United States with equivalent measures, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated on Monday, cautioning Washington against escalating a trade conflict.
'There is no hesitation when it comes to defending our interests,' Barrot remarked during an interview with TF1. His statement came after US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25-percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports this week.
When asked whether France and the EU would respond to Trump’s tariffs, Barrot affirmed, 'Of course. It’s not a surprise. This is exactly what Donald Trump did in 2018 during his first term as president.'
'At that time, we retaliated. So we will do the same again,' he added.
Regarding specific countermeasures, Barrot indicated that the European Commission would determine which sectors would be targeted in response.
'No one benefits from engaging in a trade war with the European Union,' he warned.
The tariffs on steel and aluminum imports are among several trade levies introduced by the US administration, heightening concerns about a potential global trade war.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron told CNN that the EU should not be a 'top priority' for the United States, referencing Trump’s repeated threats against the European bloc.
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