U.S. tariffs: the “extremely difficult” negotiations for France

Metz (France) – Discussions with Washington on tariffs “are ongoing, they are extremely difficult as we are faced with proposals that are not balanced,” said French Economy Minister Eric Lombard during a visit to Metz.
The American president imposed a 30% tariff on all imports from the European Union starting August 1st last weekend.
The Commission hopes to find a negotiated solution before this deadline and is preparing a response to tax certain American products in case these discussions fail.
If that happens, “just as the Americans impose high tariff increases on us, we must, together with the European Union, agree to also have tariffs that we impose on American imports so that we are in a balanced situation,” Eric Lombard stated. “Our goal is, in the end, as quickly as possible, to have the lowest possible tariffs.” (July 17, 2025)