French Foreign Minister: EU will respond proportionately to US tariffs

On February 10, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned that the European Union (EU) will respond in kind to any tariffs the US imposes on the bloc.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot - Photo: REUTERS

“We have no hesitation in defending our interests,” Mr. Barrot said in an interview with TF1 (France), after US President Donald Trump said he would impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products imported into the US.

Asked if France and the EU would retaliate, Mr. Barrot did not hesitate to answer: “Of course. There is nothing surprising. This is what Donald Trump did in 2018 (during his first term).”

Mr Barrot said the EU had responded proportionately at the time, so it would do the same this time.

Regarding specific countermeasures, Foreign Minister Barrot said that the specific decision on the areas of tax imposition will be issued by the European Commission.

"No one benefits from entering a trade war with the EU," AFP news agency quoted Mr. Barrot as warning.

Earlier on February 9, Mr. Trump said he would announce a 25% tax on all aluminum and steel imported into the US on February 10 (US time).

This is the next escalation in Washington's trade policy overhaul.

According to AFP news agency, the new tariffs on imported steel and aluminum are the latest in a series of tariff measures announced by the US leader, raising concerns of a global trade war.

On the same day, February 10, the European Commission announced that they would respond to Mr. Trump's tariff policies to protect the interests of the bloc, according to Reuters news agency.

“The EU does not see any justification for imposing tariffs on its exports. We will respond to defend the interests of European businesses, workers and consumers against unjustified measures,” the European Commission said in a statement.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ngoai-truong-phap-eu-se-dap-tra-tuong-xung-voi-thue-quan-cua-my-20250210164452276.htm