French President Emmanuel Macron has described the United States’ decision to pause newly introduced trade tariffs for 90 days as a “fragile breather”, warning that significant economic uncertainty remains for European businesses.
The temporary suspension, announced by US President Donald Trump on 9 April, affects a wide range of tariffs imposed unilaterally on most trading partners. However, details remain unclear as to which countries are covered and how the measure will be applied in practice.
Macron addressed the matter in a statement posted on social media platform X, calling the move a limited opening for dialogue rather than a resolution.
“The partial suspension of US tariffs for 90 days is a signal and an open door for negotiations. But this pause remains fragile,” Macron wrote. “Because 25% tariffs on steel, aluminium and automobiles, and 10% tariffs on all other goods, remain in force. Because this pause means 90 days of uncertainty for all our businesses on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond.”
The French president added that the European Union’s goal during this period is to engage in negotiations aimed at removing the tariffs entirely, which he characterised as “unjustified”.
“The aim of EU member states is to negotiate the removal of these unjust tariffs and to reach a balanced agreement without asymmetry,” he stated.
Macron’s comments suggest that the European Union is not interpreting the US measure as a reversal of protectionist policy, but rather a tactical move that may be revisited at short notice.
He further called for a united European front in response, urging the European Commission and national governments to prepare countermeasures should talks fail to yield results.
“Together with the European Commission, we must show our strength: Europe must continue to work on all necessary countermeasures and mobilise all available levers to defend itself and to prevent the destabilisation of our market by inflows from third countries.”
This last point appears to reflect concern that the re-routing of global exports—particularly in steel, aluminium, and automotive goods—could distort the EU internal market if US tariffs continue to disrupt international trade flows.
Macron also referenced his discussions with French business leaders and manufacturers, reporting that many expressed deep concern over the impact of the tariffs on their operations.
“American tariffs hit their businesses directly at the core. We have the right to fight back: jobs and the livelihoods of our regions are at stake,” he said. “Together with Europeans, we will do everything to protect our companies and our industries—everything to defend our economic sovereignty, everything to guarantee the future of our jobs.”
President Trump’s original tariff measures were announced earlier this month and described by the White House as a necessary step to protect American industry and national security. While the full list of affected countries has not been disclosed, the tariffs were expected to apply broadly, with China singled out for additional punitive measures.
Alongside the 90-day suspension, the US president announced an “immediate” increase in tariffs on Chinese imports, raising the rate to 125%. The move is likely to intensify tensions with Beijing and may prompt further retaliatory measures.
In response to Washington’s temporary pause, the European Union has reportedly postponed the implementation of its own planned countermeasures, which had been in preparation since the US first signalled its intent to introduce the tariffs.
The European Commission has not yet commented in detail on how it intends to proceed during the 90-day window. However, officials in Brussels are understood to be coordinating with member states to maintain a united position and to assess the impact of the measures on key sectors.
Trade analysts note that the pause may reflect pressure from within the United States as well, with US businesses, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture, warning of the consequences of retaliatory tariffs from major economies.
Whether the current window will lead to a durable agreement remains uncertain. Macron’s tone, while open to negotiations, suggests that Paris remains sceptical about the long-term intentions behind Washington’s decision.
The coming weeks are expected to see intensified diplomatic efforts between the EU and the US, as both sides seek to manage escalating trade tensions while maintaining economic stability.
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