French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, cautioned on Monday that the European Union would respond in kind to any tariffs imposed on it by the United States, warning against the risks of a trade war.
“There is no hesitation when it comes to defending our interests,” Barrot stated during an interview with TF1, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement on Sunday that Washington would implement 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum products this week.
When asked if France and the EU would retaliate against the proposed U.S. measures, Barrot confirmed, “Of course. It’s not a surprise. This is already what Donald Trump did in 2018 (during his first term as president). At that time, we replicated. So, we will replicate again this time.”
Regarding what form the EU’s response would take, Barrot explained that the European Commission would determine the specific sectors to be targeted.
He added a note of caution, “No one has an interest in entering into a trade war with the European Union.”
Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports adds to a series of trade levies that have sparked global trade war concerns.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking with CNN, urged the U.S. to shift its focus. He emphasized that the European Union should not be Washington’s main concern.
“Is the European Union your first problem? No, I don’t think so. Your first problem is China, so you should focus on the first problem,” Macron said, stressing that the EU must remain prepared to respond to U.S. actions.
