French President Emmanuel Macron has called on European businesses to halt investments in the U.S., condemning American tariffs as “brutal and unfounded.”
The move signals escalating trade tensions between the EU and U.S., with Macron pushing for a stronger European response to protect key industries.
Why Macron Is Taking a Hard Line on U.S. Tariffs
Macron’s statement comes amid growing frustration in Europe over U.S. trade policies, including:
– The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): Subsidies for American-made green tech, which Macron claims unfairly draws investment away from Europe.
– Steep tariffs on foreign EVs and clean energy products: The Biden administration recently increased levies on Chinese imports, but EU leaders fear spillover effects.
– “Economic aggression”: Macron accused the U.S. of “aggressive protectionism” that undermines fair competition.
Macron’s Demand: Pause U.S. Investments
The French president urged EU companies to delay expansions in the U.S. until trade conditions improve. His key arguments include:
– Protecting European jobs and industries from being lured away by U.S. subsidies.
– Pushing the EU to adopt stronger countermeasures, such as retaliatory tariffs or boosted subsidies for European green tech.
– Avoiding dependency on U.S. policies that could shift abruptly with future elections.
