French Minister for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, Laurent Saint-Martin, stated on Thursday that if the United States increases tariffs on European exports, "we will have to take measures to respond."
اضافة اعلان
During an interview with Agence France-Presse on the sidelines of his visit to the Gulf Food Exhibition in Dubai, Saint-Martin emphasized that "showing unity and determination" is crucial for the European Union to withstand Trump's trade policy threats. He added that "the first loser in any trade war is the one who initiates it," referring to the United States in this case.
The minister's statements came in parallel with comments by European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, who said on Wednesday in Washington that "the European Union sees no justification" for President Donald Trump to impose additional tariffs on European goods, but it is ready to respond "firmly and swiftly."
About ten days ago, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europeans to prepare to counter any potential tariffs Trump might impose.
Trump has expressed his intention to apply tariffs on the European Union, making it the next target after Mexico, Canada, and China.
After returning to the White House, Trump announced the imposition of "reciprocal tariffs" on his country's trading partners and competitors. This move was seen as an escalation that could lead to a trade war, which economists warn could have inflationary consequences for the United States.
In contrast, Saint-Martin expressed France's desire to resist global technological competition, especially in the field of artificial intelligence, where the U.S. currently dominates.
He mentioned that France attaches great importance to its strategic partnership with the UAE, which is a key source of massive investments that France intends to attract in the technological field.
The UAE recently announced an investment of up to 50 billion euros to build a giant data center for artificial intelligence in France.
This investment is part of an important partnership agreement on artificial intelligence signed on February 6 in Paris between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. The talks focused on expanding relations in the fields of economy, investment, culture, climate, energy, advanced technologies, and artificial intelligence.
