France, Germany Prepare Aggressive Retaliatory Measures Against Trump’s Tariffs

The European Union is gearing up for a robust response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff measures, which impose a 20% duty on EU imports and a baseline 10% tariff on goods from other nations.

Announced on Wednesday, the tariffs represent one of the most aggressive trade policies in decades, sparking fears of a global trade war and drawing sharp criticism from European leaders.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck have called for decisive action to counter Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs,” which target over 180 countries and regions.

Macron has proposed retaliatory measures such as taxing U.S. tech companies and restricting access to EU procurement contracts, while Habeck likened the tariffs to an act of economic aggression, urging Europe to respond with proportional force. “The magnitude and determination of the response must be commensurate,” Habeck stated during a press conference in Berlin.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the tariffs as a “major blow to the global economy,” warning that they would disrupt international trade and increase inflation.

Von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s readiness to retaliate if negotiations with Washington fail, stating, “We are finalizing our initial package of countermeasures concerning steel tariffs and preparing additional measures to safeguard our interests.”

The commission is also exploring deploying its Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), a powerful trade tool designed to combat economic coercion, though it remains a last-resort option due to its potential impact on global commerce.

France has taken a particularly aggressive stance, with government spokeswoman Sophie Primas declaring that the EU is prepared for a “trade war” and plans to target U.S. online services with new taxes by the end of April. Macron is set to meet representatives from French industries affected by the tariffs later this week to discuss further actions.

Meanwhile, Germany has proposed forging alliances with countries like Canada and Mexico to strengthen its negotiating position against the U.S., underscoring the need for international cooperation in response to Trump’s protectionist policies.

The EU’s countermeasures could amount to €26 billion ($28 billion) in retaliatory tariffs, targeting U.S. exports ranging from aluminum and steel to pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.

While European officials stress their preference for a negotiated solution, they are prepared to escalate their response if necessary. As tensions rise, financial markets have already reacted sharply, with European indices experiencing significant losses following Trump’s announcement.

Trump’s tariff strategy, which he framed as necessary for addressing trade imbalances and protecting American industry, has drawn widespread condemnation from global leaders and trade experts.