Macron Warns US Tariffs on Europe Would Hike Inflation for Americans

Ahead of Trade Talks, French President Emmanuel Macron Urges Focus on China

WASHINGTON: French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that US tariffs on Europe would hike inflation for Americans, as he vowed in an interview aired Sunday to go head-to-head with Donald Trump over financial threats.

Macron told CNN that the EU should not be a “top priority” for the United States after Trump’s repeated threats to target the bloc, having already ordered tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China.

A Different Priority

“Is the European Union your first problem? No, I don’t think so. Your first problem is China, so you should focus on the first problem,“ he said, speaking in English.

Macron emphasized that tariffs would harm European economies but also the United States, given the level of economic ties.

Tariffs and Inflation

“It means if you put tariffs on a lot of sectors, it will increase the costs and create inflation in the US. Is it what your people want? I’m not so sure,“ he said.

Head-to-Head with Trump

Asked if he was willing to go “head-to-head” with Trump on the issue of tariffs, Macron replied, “I already did so, and I will did (sic) it again.”

EU Action

Macron said the EU must be ready to react to US actions, but stressed that the 27-nation bloc should mainly “act for ourselves.”

Competitiveness Agenda

“This is why, for me, the top priority of Europe is competitiveness agenda, is defense and security agenda, is AI ambition, and let’s go fast for ourselves.

Tariff Issue

“If in the meanwhile, we have (a) tariff issue, we will discuss them and we will fix it.”

Conclusion

Macron’s comments come ahead of trade talks between the US and EU, which are expected to focus on tariffs and other trade issues. The French president’s warning that tariffs would harm both European and American economies suggests that the EU may be willing to take a tough stance in negotiations.

FAQs

What did Macron say about the EU-US trade relationship?

Macron warned that US tariffs on Europe would hike inflation for Americans and harm European economies.

What is Macron’s priority for the EU?

Macron emphasized that the top priority for the EU should be competitiveness, defense and security, and AI ambition, rather than focusing solely on trade with the US.

Will Macron go head-to-head with Trump on tariffs?

Macron has already gone head-to-head with Trump on tariffs and is willing to do so again if necessary.