Macron condemns Trump's threat to impose 30% tariffs on the EU, calls for defending European interests

Macron condemned Trump's threat to impose 30% tariffs on the EU, and called on the EU to "firmly defend European interests."

French President Macron condemned US President Trump's threat to impose 30% tariffs on the EU on Saturday, and called on the EU to "firmly defend European interests."

Trump warned on Saturday that Mexico and the EU would be subject to 30% tariffs starting August 1, escalating tense negotiations with America's two major trading partners.

Macron said France "strongly opposes" this statement and called on the EU to prepare reliable countermeasures, which could be implemented if no agreement is reached with the US before August 1.

He wrote on social media: "France fully supports the EU Commission's negotiations, which will be intensified in an effort to reach an agreement acceptable to both sides before August 1, thereby demonstrating mutual respect between the EU and its trade partners such as the United States."

Earlier on Saturday, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen strongly criticized Trump's new tariff threats, but stated that the EU is still seeking an agreement to avoid these measures.

Source: rfi

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837495258743881/

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