French President: Expresses "strong" opposition to US decision to impose tariffs

French President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement that France, in line with the president of the European Union Commission, expressed "strong" opposition to the United States' announcement of a comprehensive 30% tariff on European Union exports from August 1. The statement follows intensive negotiations between the European Union Commission and the United States over the past few weeks, during which it has made a good-faith and solid proposal.
On the basis of European solidarity, it is even more necessary for the European Union Commission to firmly defend the interests of the European Union. This means, in particular, that if an agreement cannot be reached by August 1, it is necessary to accelerate the preparation of credible countermeasures and mobilize all available means, including the Anti-Coercion Instrument.
On this basis, France will fully support the European Union Commission's position in the negotiations, which will be further intensified with a view to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement by August 1, reflecting the mutual respect that the European Union and the United States deserve as trading partners, and safeguarding their common interests and close value chains.