French President Emmanuel Macron announces that the EU will impose reciprocal tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum imports if Trump’s 25% tariff plan goes into effect.
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that the European Union (EU) is preparing to impose “reciprocal tariff measures” on steel and aluminum in response to the United States’ planned 25% tariffs on European products. Speaking during an official visit to Portugal, Macron emphasized the EU’s need to defend its economic interests.
“If the American tariffs on steel and aluminum are confirmed, Europeans will respond with reciprocal tariffs. We must protect ourselves and defend our industries,” Macron stated at a joint press conference in Porto with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
The EU is particularly concerned about the scope of the tariffs, which former U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed without exemptions for specific countries or industries.
Trump announced on Wednesday his intention to introduce a 25% tariff on all EU products.
“If, as announced, these tariffs on European goods take effect in early April, Europeans will have to respond,” Macron warned.
The escalating trade tensions could trigger a new wave of economic conflict between the EU and the U.S., with European leaders determined to safeguard their industries from protectionist measures.
