France Strongly Criticizes New US-EU Trade Deal Amid Rising Tariff Tensions

The French government has expressed strong criticism of the newly announced trade deal between the United States and the European Union. French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron described the agreement as a setback for European interests and raised concerns about its possible negative impact on France’s economy.

On July 25, 2025, François Bayrou, France’s Minister of European Affairs, stated that the EU had yielded to increasing tariff demands by US President Donald Trump, suggesting the deal resulted more from pressure from Washington than balanced negotiation.

Key Concerns Raised by France

• The deal could harm France’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
• French farmers and small businesses might be disadvantaged by the market opening to US products without sufficient protections.
• The EU may have compromised its standards and values by conceding under US trade policy pressure.

Context of the Trade Deal

This agreement seeks to reduce tariffs and trade barriers between the US and the EU amid rising tensions, especially following recent US tariffs on European steel and aluminum and subsequent EU retaliation. The deal aims to de-escalate these conflicts by cutting some tariffs and establishing new trade rules.

French Government’s Response and Next Steps

1. Macron plans to discuss the deal’s implications with European partners in the upcoming EU summit.
2. Calls are being made for a thorough review of the agreement.
3. There is an emphasis on implementing stronger support and protection measures for sectors that might be affected.

This episode underscores the fragility of EU consensus on trade policy and highlights the ongoing challenges in transatlantic relations as economic and political priorities fluctuate.

About The Author