French President Emmanuel Macron has described Donald Trump's decision to impose new tariffs as brutal and unfounded, expressing concern about their "massive" impact on France, its overseas territories and Europe more broadly.
Speaking to a gathering of business leaders today, Macron hinted that Trump's move would have to be met with a response, while discussing ways to best protect the French economy after the new tariffs were introduced, The Guardian reports.
The French president agreed with EU leaders that "nothing should be ruled out" in response to Trump's move, as "all instruments are on the table."
"We must do whatever is effective and most proportionate... but also makes it clear that we are determined... not to let these sectors fall victim to these tariffs," he stressed.
Among the available measures, Macron particularly emphasized the possibility of intervention in the field of digital services, where, according to him, the United States makes huge profits from Europe.
The Guardian writes that this message will be noticed in the White House, although it is clear that there is no agreement on this within the EU, given that Ireland, where most of the European headquarters of technology companies are located, is openly opposed to the idea.
He also called for the suspension of new and recently announced French investments in the US until the tariff situation is clarified, noting that continuing investments while the new tariffs are in effect would send the wrong message.
The French president, who has been one of the most outspoken critics of Trump's new tariffs, urged leaders to remain united and resist the temptation to act individually, but to use the strength of the European market in any response to this situation.
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