The European Union is ‘ready for a trade war’ against the United States, the French government spokeswoman Sophie Primas said on Thursday. In response to new tariffs announced by Donald Trump, the EU is considering striking back by targeting online services.
"We are pretty sure that we are indeed going to see an adverse effect on production," Primas told broadcaster RTL, voicing concerns over the strong impact on wine and spirits.
"We have a whole range of tools and we are ready for this trade war," she added, stressing that the EU would also look at ways to support its industries.
Taking a direct swipe at Trump, she added that Trump thinks he is the master of the world.
“It is an imperialist stance that we had somewhat forgotten about but which is returning with great force and great determination.”
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet representatives from sectors impacted by Trump's tariff measures later on Thursday at 1400 GMT, according to the Elysee Palace.
The meeting comes a day after Trump announced a fresh wave of tariffs on key trade partners, including the EU and China, declaring the move "Liberation Day".
Primas outlined the EU’s planned response, which will unfold in two stages. The first phase, expected by mid-April, will target aluminium and steel.
The second phase, likely to take effect by the end of April, will extend to a broader range of goods and services. "We are also going to attack services. For example, online services, which are not taxed today but could be," she said, adding that restrictions on US companies accessing EU procurement contracts were also being considered.
France’s wine and spirits industry is bracing for a major hit, with the Federation of Wine and Spirits Exporters (FEVS) warning of "extremely serious consequences".
The group estimates that French wine and spirits exports to the US could plummet by around €800 million (£685 million), while the EU as a whole could suffer losses of up to €1.6 billion (£1.37 billion).
"Such a decline will have a huge impact on employment and the sector's economy," FEVS said in a statement, adding that the tariffs would also harm American importers, wholesalers, and retailers.
In 2024, France exported €2.4 billion worth of wine and €1.5 billion worth of spirits to the US, making it the country’s largest export market.
The national confederation of wine producers (CNAOC) warned of losses amounting to "several hundred million euros", describing the impact on premium French spirits like cognac and armagnac as "a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions".
Despite the rising tensions, FEVS urged both sides to maintain "an open and constructive dialogue" to avoid further damage to transatlantic trade.
"We are pretty sure that we are indeed going to see an adverse effect on production," Primas told broadcaster RTL, voicing concerns over the strong impact on wine and spirits.
"We have a whole range of tools and we are ready for this trade war," she added, stressing that the EU would also look at ways to support its industries.
Taking a direct swipe at Trump, she added that Trump thinks he is the master of the world.
“It is an imperialist stance that we had somewhat forgotten about but which is returning with great force and great determination.”
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet representatives from sectors impacted by Trump's tariff measures later on Thursday at 1400 GMT, according to the Elysee Palace.
The meeting comes a day after Trump announced a fresh wave of tariffs on key trade partners, including the EU and China, declaring the move "Liberation Day".
Primas outlined the EU’s planned response, which will unfold in two stages. The first phase, expected by mid-April, will target aluminium and steel.
The second phase, likely to take effect by the end of April, will extend to a broader range of goods and services. "We are also going to attack services. For example, online services, which are not taxed today but could be," she said, adding that restrictions on US companies accessing EU procurement contracts were also being considered.
France’s wine and spirits industry is bracing for a major hit, with the Federation of Wine and Spirits Exporters (FEVS) warning of "extremely serious consequences".
The group estimates that French wine and spirits exports to the US could plummet by around €800 million (£685 million), while the EU as a whole could suffer losses of up to €1.6 billion (£1.37 billion).
"Such a decline will have a huge impact on employment and the sector's economy," FEVS said in a statement, adding that the tariffs would also harm American importers, wholesalers, and retailers.
In 2024, France exported €2.4 billion worth of wine and €1.5 billion worth of spirits to the US, making it the country’s largest export market.
The national confederation of wine producers (CNAOC) warned of losses amounting to "several hundred million euros", describing the impact on premium French spirits like cognac and armagnac as "a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions".
Despite the rising tensions, FEVS urged both sides to maintain "an open and constructive dialogue" to avoid further damage to transatlantic trade.
You may also like
Red Notice Fugitive Aaditya Jain, Wanted In Rajasthan Extortion Case, Deported From UAE To India
Donald Trump says tariffs going 'better than expected' as trillions wiped off global economy
'Genius' kitchen storage tip to stop onions from sprouting and rotting
Wimbledon set to make major change to Henman Hill as chiefs issue explanation
Karnataka: Janaushadhi Kendras cut down medical bills of Tumkur residents
