France Strikes Back with Trade Measures

During an official visit to Portugal, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the European Union will impose reciprocal tariffs on U.S. aluminum and steel in response to the tariffs set by Donald Trump. This decision comes after the former U.S. president stated that he intends to introduce a 25% tariff on European products.

Macron: "Europe Must Defend Itself"

Speaking at a press conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, Macron emphasized the necessity for Europe to protect its industries and not remain passive in the face of U.S. trade restrictions.

"We must defend ourselves. We must not be weak when faced with these measures," Macron declared, adding that the European Union will react if Washington moves forward with its tariff plans.

Read more about Macron’s stance on the EU’s trade policies on Le Monde.

The EU Prepares for a Trade Battle

The European Union is already considering a range of countermeasures to counterbalance the impact of U.S. tariffs. According to European officials, potential responses could include:

• Matching U.S. tariffs on key American exports.
• Imposing duties on high-value U.S. industries such as technology and agriculture.
• Seeking legal action through the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Montenegro reinforced this stance, stating that the EU has no choice but to retaliate if Trump moves forward with his policies. Read more on Barron’s.

Global Trade Tensions on the Rise

This latest development signals a potential escalation in trade tensions between the United States and Europe. Economists warn that an extended trade war could lead to:

• Higher consumer prices due to increased costs for raw materials.
• Reduced exports for businesses on both sides.
• Job losses in key industries affected by retaliatory measures.

With China already facing a new wave of tariffs from the U.S., global trade uncertainty continues to grow. See how U.S. tariffs are reshaping European markets on News24Go.

What’s Next?

As April approaches, all eyes are on Washington and Brussels. If Trump follows through with his tariff strategy, the EU will likely implement countermeasures without delay. Business leaders and policymakers are now closely watching how this trade conflict unfolds and its impact on global markets.

For the latest updates on EU-U.S. trade relations, follow 20 Minutes.