FRANCE CONDEMNS TRUMP’S 25% AUTO TARIFFS, WARNS OF EU RETALIATION

An Emirati Magazine publication – Released on March 27, 2025 | www.emiratimagazine.com

French Finance Minister Eric Lombard has condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's new 25% tariffs on foreign-made cars as an "uncooperative act" that leaves the European Union with little choice but to retaliate. Speaking on France Inter radio, Lombard warned that these aggressive measures increase hostility and undermine global cooperation.

With the tariffs set to take effect next week, Lombard emphasized that the European Commission is preparing a list of U.S. products for counter-tariffs. He stressed that the EU cannot simply accept these restrictions, as doing so would encourage further actions from the U.S.

Despite the tensions, Lombard expressed hope for negotiations to reduce tariffs on both sides, arguing that fairer trade terms would benefit both economies. He warned of the "gravity of the moment," stating that the U.S. is drastically shifting its economic policy in a way that harms American and European industries alike.