Paris: EU to impose punitive tariffs due to new US tariffs

(dpa) Trump announces tariffs on the import of steel and aluminum into the USA. In response, the EU will impose tariffs of its own, says France's Foreign Minister - and warns of a trade conflict.

France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, departs the Elysee Presidential Palace after the cabinet meeting. Barrot has hinted at EU tariffs in response to the new tariffs on steel and aluminum announced by US President Donald Trump. (Photo: Ludovic Marin/AFP/dpa)
France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, departs the Elysee Presidential Palace after the cabinet meeting. Barrot has hinted at EU tariffs in response to the new tariffs on steel and aluminum announced by US President Donald Trump. (Photo: Ludovic Marin/AFP/dpa)

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has hinted at European Union tariffs in response to the new tariffs on steel and aluminum announced by US President Donald Trump.

"There is no hesitation when it comes to defending our interests," the minister told broadcaster TF1. The EU Commission will "identify the sectors that will be subject to these retaliatory measures."

No interest in conflict

"And I say it once again: No one has an interest in entering into a trade conflict with the European Union," added the French Foreign Minister.

Barrot reacted to Trump's announcement to impose tariffs of 25 percent on steel and aluminum imports into the United States. Details were to be announced at the beginning of this week.

Response to Measures

"This is no surprise. Donald Trump had already done this in 2018," said Barrot. "And back then we fought back. So we will fight back again this time."

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