Macron Calls for ‘Reciprocity’ as Trump Announces Modern Global Tariff
Following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling against prior tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, the former president has announced a new 10% global tariff, prompting a response from French President Emmanuel Macron. The move underscores ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. And its international partners and highlights the importance of institutional checks and balances in global commerce.
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated tariffs previously imposed under the U.S. International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Within hours, however, Trump signed an executive order enacting the new 10% global tariff, while maintaining existing sector-specific duties, as reported by Politico.eu.
Macron addressed the situation on Saturday at the annual agricultural salon in Paris, stating, “It is not disappointing to have a Supreme Court and, the rule of law.” He further emphasized the importance of checks and balances in democracies, adding, “It is good to have powers and counter-powers in democracies,” according to CNBC.
The French President indicated that France would assess the implications of the new tariff and adapt accordingly, expressing a desire to continue exporting French products, including agricultural goods, luxury items, fashion, and aeronautical products. He stressed the need for a “calm mindset” and advocated for “reciprocity” in international trade, opposing “unilateral decisions,” as detailed in Reuters.
Macron cautioned against premature celebration of the Supreme Court’s initial ruling, noting the swift response from the Trump administration. “We shouldn’t go too fast,” he said, adding, “We will seem precisely at the consequences, at what can be done, and we will adapt,” Politico.eu reported.
The Supreme Court’s decision on Friday represented a significant setback for Trump’s trade policies, as noted by BFM.
