EditMacron decries tariffs as “blackmail” amid EU-U.S. trade talks
The remarks highlight tensions exacerbated by Trump’s reluctance to negotiate with the EU Commission
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville on 30 June, labelled tariffs imposed by powerful nations as “blackmail” rather than tools for trade rebalancing, a veiled critique of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
With the EU racing to secure a trade deal before a critical 9 July deadline, Macron’s remarks highlight tensions exacerbated by Trump’s reluctance to negotiate with the European Commission, the Commission’s subdued role, and divergent French and German trade priorities.
Macron’s critique and global context
Macron urged restoring “freedom and equity” to global trade, criticising tariffs as instruments of coercion rather than fairness. While he avoided naming Trump or the U.S., his comments targeted the sweeping tariffs Trump unveiled in April 2025, ranging from 10% to 50%.
Macron warned that trade wars harm developing nations, citing the UN trade agency’s concerns about high levies on countries like Lesotho and Cambodia. He also called for rethinking the World Trade Organization (WTO) to align with goals of reducing inequality and combating climate change, reflecting frustration with unilateral U.S. actions.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump’s tariffs, arguing they bolster U.S. manufacturing and prioritize American workers. “Europe may not be used to it, but President Trump is back and will do what’s right for our country,” she said, signalling a hardline stance as the 9 July deadline looms.
Trump’s reluctance to engage the European Commission
Trump’s approach to trade negotiations reveals a clear reluctance to deal directly with the European Commission, the EU’s executive body responsible for trade policy. Since returning to office, Trump has favored bilateral talks with individual EU member states, bypassing the Commission to exploit divisions within the 27-nation bloc.
This strategy aligns with Trump’s scepticism of multilateral institutions, evident in his past criticisms of the EU as a “foe” on trade and his preference for direct deals, as seen in negotiations with Japan and India.
During his first cabinet meeting at the White House on 26 February Trump said the EU was formed “in order to screw the United States”.
“I mean, look, let’s be honest. The European Union was formed in order to screw the United States. That’s the purpose of it. And they’ve done a good job of it. But now I’m president,” he said.
Trump perceives the Commission as bureaucratic and aligned with liberal agendas, with issues like digital taxes and Ukraine support being a major irritant.
His cancellation of talks with Canada over its digital tax on 27 June signals a broader intolerance for policies he views as anti-American, complicating EU efforts to negotiate collectively.
Trump halts U.S.-Canada trade talks over digital tax, highlighting risks for the EU
The European Commission’s low profile
The European Commission has maintained a notably low profile in recent trade talks, a strategic retreat amid internal divisions and external pressures. Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has avoided direct confrontation with Trump, focusing instead on technical discussions.
The Commission’s 26 June proposal to the U.S. was described as “exploratory” by EU officials, reflecting caution to avoid provoking further tariff threats. The looming 9 July deadline, set by Trump for trade deals to avoid higher tariffs, has forced the Commission to balance collective bargaining with member states’ bilateral overtures, which weaken its negotiating leverage.
France and Germany, the EU’s economic powerhouses, exhibit stark differences in their approaches to U.S. trade, complicating EU unity. France’s push for EU sovereignty clashes with Germany’s economic priorities.
Germany, Europe’s largest exporter to the U.S., adopts a more conciliatory approach, prioritising its automotive and machinery sectors, which face significant tariff risks. In contrast, France, with a strong agricultural sector and cultural industries, fears U.S. tariffs on wine and cheese, which could cost billions and trigger social unrest.
Macron has also said it is an aberration to ask Europeans to spend more on defence while launching a trade war.
Trump has expressed a mixed view of Macron, calling him a “nice guy” and enjoying his hospitality, such as during a 2017 Bastille Day visit, but also criticising him as a “wimp” and weak leader in a July 2018 Sun interview, reflecting a complex relationship marked by personal warmth and political disdain.
Trade Commissioner en route to U.S.
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic told reporters he would travel to Washington on Tuesday and seek meetings with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Wednesday and Thursday.
Sefcovic said the EU had received the first drafts of proposals from the United States for an eventual agreement.
“The ninth of July is round the corner so for me, it’s always a good sign when we move from the exchange of views into the drafting process,” he said.
Sefcovic said the EU was pushing for a deal on import levies that was “fair for both sides” and gave more predictability to businesses.
Earlier, the European Commission, the EU’s executive, pushed back against speculation that the 27-member EU’s landmark tech regulatory regime could be included in the EU-U.S. negotiations and subsequently watered down.
The EU has two pieces of recent legislation targeted by the Trump administration.
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) seeks to rein in the power of U.S. tech giants Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms and Microsoft, as well as Booking.com and China’s ByteDance.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) requires big online platforms to do more to tackle illegal and harmful content.
“Our legislation will not be changed. The DMA and the DSA are not on the table in the trade negotiations with the U.S.,” Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier told a daily news conference.
With Reuters, edited by g.g.
Caption: US President Donald Trump (L) and French President Emmanuel Macron (R) hold a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 24 February 2025. EPA/LUDOVIC MARIN / POOL
Updated: July 1, 2025 - 08:55
