Germany, France Urge Stronger EU Response to Trump’s Tariffs: Bloomberg

Germany and France are advocating for a robust European Union response following U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff measures, pushing the bloc to adopt a more assertive stance in countering Washington’s escalating trade actions, according to a Bloomberg report published Thursday.

A day after President Trump unveiled his controversial “Liberation Day” tariffs, sources cited by Bloomberg indicated that French President Emmanuel Macron is strongly supporting measures aimed at targeting American technology and services sectors in retaliation.

Although France remains committed to pursuing diplomatic negotiations, officials in Paris are reportedly calling for a firm response. Bloomberg quoted an unnamed source as saying, “Paris wants to make sure the EU responds with all its instruments to defend EU interests.”

President Trump announced a sweeping 20% tariff on EU imports set to come into force on April 9, describing the EU’s trade policies as “pathetic” and accusing the 27-nation bloc of unfairly disadvantaging U.S. trade.

German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck strongly criticized Trump’s decision, comparing it to the “war of aggression against Ukraine,” emphasizing the need for Europe to respond with equal determination.

In a further sign of escalating tensions, French government spokeswoman Sophie Primas told RTL radio that the European Commission is considering introducing a digital services tax on major U.S. technology firms as soon as the end of April.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz highlighted Europe’s strength, remarking that “the EU is the largest single market in the world,” and stressing that the union has “every opportunity to react in a united and decisive manner.”

Bloomberg further noted that France has also urged the European Commission to examine employing the EU’s anti-coercion instrument—a powerful trade tool reserved for extreme situations—as part of its response. However, EU officials still regard this option as a measure of last resort.