On Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged the United States to adopt a more collaborative approach following President Donald Trump’s issuance of an executive order that introduces reciprocal tariffs and a minimum tariff of 10% on all imports.
Shortly after President Trump declared a “Liberation Day,” Barrot expressed his desire for the U.S. to reconsider these tariffs, which are set to affect all imports to the United States as well as all of America’s trade partners. The White House released a chart detailing how these reciprocal tariffs would be applied across various countries, with the European Union facing a 20% reciprocal tariff in response to its 39% tariff and other trade barriers on U.S. goods.
Barrot criticized these tariffs as “taxes on the middle classes,” warning that they would increase prices at gas stations and supermarkets for American families. He also indicated that such measures could provoke retaliation from the European Commission, which tends to respond when European trade interests are impacted.
Barrot suggested potential responses could include imposing taxes on exports and imports, restricting access to European procurement contracts, and limiting digital and financial services within the European single market. He highlighted the significant economic interdependence between the U.S. and Europe, mentioning that France holds $335 billion in U.S. Treasury bonds.
He further emphasized that the U.S. economy benefits greatly from the European market, pointing out that major U.S. digital companies generate a substantial portion of their revenues in Europe, amounting to several hundred billion euros. In addition, he noted that European savings help finance the U.S. economy and public deficit.
Barrot concluded by acknowledging France as the U.S.’s oldest ally and expressing a desire to avoid conflict.
President Trump has also implemented a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, affecting the European Union, and a 25% tariff on imported cars, impacting countries like Germany. In response, the EU has threatened retaliatory tariffs of up to $28 billion.
In 2024, the U.S. trade deficit with the European Union amounted to $235.6 billion, which Trump has labeled an “atrocity.”
Contributions to this report were made by Jennifer Griffin of Fox News and Caitlin McFall of Fox News Digital.