Overview

• President Trump will impose 30% duties on EU imports on August 1 unless bilateral agreements are reached.
• Germany and Italy are pressing for direct negotiations to head off punitive levies on key industries.
• President Macron rejects talks and advocates retaliatory measures in response to US protectionism.
• Brussels has debated for weeks and drafted potential counter-tariffs totaling up to €72 billion.
• French businesses report escalating anxiety over looming duties that could disrupt supply chains.