French President Emmanuel Macron has called on European companies to freeze planned investments in the United States following the announcement of sweeping global tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling growing transatlantic economic tensions.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with French industry leaders in Paris on Thursday, Macron described the U.S. tariffs as “brutal and unfounded,” warning that they pose a serious threat to international trade and economic stability. In response, he urged a coordinated European approach and a temporary halt to new investments in the U.S. until further clarity emerges.
“I think what’s important, and that’s all the work that must be done by sector, is that the investments to come—or investments announced in recent weeks—should be suspended until things are clarified with the United States,” Macron stated.
The French leader said that “no response has been ruled out” and hinted at several potential countermeasures. These include activating the European Union’s anti-coercion mechanism, targeting U.S. digital services, and scrutinizing financial instruments that support the American economy.
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This marks a significant escalation in the economic standoff between Europe and Washington. Macron promised that Europe’s response to the tariffs would be “more massive” than the EU’s earlier retaliation against U.S. steel and aluminum levies.
Trump’s tariffs, part of his revived “America First” trade policy, include a 10% baseline tariff on all imports and even steeper duties on certain goods from traditional allies and rivals alike. The move has drawn criticism from leaders across the globe, who argue it undermines fair trade and could trigger a damaging economic spiral.
Macron emphasized that Europe must stand firm and respond “industry by industry” to defend its interests. “This is a shock for international trade,” he said. “Europe must act with unity and strength.”
As diplomatic and economic discussions continue, business leaders and policymakers across the continent are bracing for further fallout, with fears of a full-scale trade war looming.
