American Additional Tariffs: French Minister Says European Countries Are United in Negotiations
French Minister of Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin said on Monday: "On the contrary to what people are worried about," despite the fact that the national interests of European countries "differ," they have been united in the negotiations to reach an agreement on additional tariffs with Washington.
The minister said on the RTL radio program that this common position "is beneficial for the future," especially when "negotiating trade agreements with other countries in the world." He emphasized: "For several months, the atmosphere of the negotiations has been complicated," especially because "the European Commission must lead these negotiations on behalf of all member states," and each country has its own "different priority interests" to raise.
The minister explained from the French perspective: "Paris can consider accepting a slight increase in tariffs, but only if the tariffs on certain key European export industries, especially those in France - I am referring to the aerospace, wine and spirits, and cosmetic products industries - can be reduced."
According to the minister, during the "last few hours of negotiations" with the United States, "this issue is still being discussed," as the US government plans to implement this wide-ranging tariff policy starting August 1st.
However, he also pointed out that "contrary to what we were worried about at the beginning of the year, there have never been any dissonant voices within the EU during these six months of negotiations."
The French minister said: "We will see a united Europe, which will help our future, especially when seeking to negotiate trade agreements with other countries in the world." He continued: "Life is not only around the United States. We will also negotiate trade agreements with India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia." He also said: "If we can push for the modification of some provisions of the Southern Common Market agreement, perhaps we can also cooperate with South America."
AFP noted that France is not yet satisfied with this trade agreement promoted by the EU, as Paris regrets the lack of "protection" for the French beef industry.
The French minister added: "I just returned from Latin America. Argentina and Brazil assured me that they agree to discuss the principles of additional protocols with the European Commission," while the European Commission "has the initiative."
Source: rfi
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837009035837571/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.