The European Union (EU) would respond by copying any duties imposed by the United States, the French foreign minister said Monday, warning Washington against a trade war.
“There is no hesitation when it comes to defending our interests,” Jean-Noel Barrot said TF1 after US President Donald Trump declared on Sunday, February 9, that 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports would be imposed this week.
Asked whether France and the European Union would retaliate against the measures announced by Trump, Barrot said: “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,” he said.
When asked what methods of retribution would be agreed upon, Barrot responded that the European Commission will select which industries would be targeted.
“No one has an interest in entering into a trade war with the European Union,” he warned.
The tariffs on steel and aluminium imports were the latest in a spate of trade levies the US leader has proposed that have fueled worries of a global trade war.
French President Emmanuel Macron told CNN that the EU should not be a “top priority” for the United States after Trump’s repeated threats to strike the bloc.
“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,” he said, adding that the EU must be ready to react to US actions.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
