Macron reacts to Trump's tariffs

French President Emmanuel Macron met with French industry representatives following the customs tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump for the EU yesterday.

Macron characterized Trump's customs tariffs as "brutal and baseless," stating that this move is "a shock to international trade."

Stating that the tariffs would have a "massive impact" on the European economy, Macron said, "One thing is certain, with this decision taken last night, the US economy and the American people will become weaker and poorer than they were yesterday."

"WE WILL PROTECT OUR RIGHTS"

Emphasizing that Europe must respond to these tariffs "sector by sector," Macron stated that the response to these "reciprocal customs tariffs" from the US would be much more "massive" than the previous retaliations against US steel and aluminum tariffs. Macron said, "These steps test Europe's unity and economic resilience. However, we are prepared. We will protect our rights by organizing on a sector-by-sector basis."

Within the scope of the new customs tariffs announced by US President Trump yesterday, the highest customs tariff rates will be applied to China at 34 percent and Vietnam at 46 percent. While a 20 percent customs tariff was imposed on the EU, Turkey was among the countries to which a 10 percent customs tariff will be applied.