French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the recent reduction in US tariffs on European Union goods amounts to a “fragile pause” and insisted that Europe must use “all available levers” to protect its economic interests.
Taking to social media platform X on Friday, Macron reacted to US President Donald Trump’s surprise decision to suspend further tariff hikes on EU imports for 90 days.
The move brought the rate for EU goods down to 10%, following a steep 20% levy imposed earlier as part of Trump’s sweeping trade measures.
“This is a fragile truce,” Macron wrote. “With the European Commission, we must demonstrate strength. Europe must continue preparing all necessary countermeasures.”
Trump’s decision to impose broad tariffs had shaken global markets last week, but his partial reversal midweek has provided temporary relief to affected economies.
The 27-nation EU, along with countries such as Japan, now faces a baseline 10% tariff — unlike China, which remains subject to higher rates.
While the European Commission has made it clear it prefers a negotiated solution over retaliation, it has nonetheless been preparing its response in case the tariff freeze is lifted after the 90-day window.
Macron stressed that the EU must be wary of redirected trade flows from non-EU countries, which could distort the European market and undermine local industries.
He added that the Commission’s goal is “simple: to negotiate the removal of these unfair tariffs and to secure a balanced agreement, free of asymmetries.”
The French president described the temporary halt in tariff escalation as “90 days of uncertainty for all our businesses, on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond.”
Reinforcing his position, he concluded, “We are right to stand firm — jobs and the livelihoods of our citizens are on the line.”
