Overview
- In a Les Echos interview after his China trip, Emmanuel Macron said Europe may take “strong measures” within months, including U.S.-style duties on Chinese goods.
- He argues China’s surplus with Europe is “unsustainable,” with the EU’s goods trade deficit reaching roughly €306 billion in 2024.
- Any tariffs would require an EU-wide decision by the European Commission, and Macron noted Germany is not fully aligned.
- Macron says U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump have pushed Chinese exports toward Europe, intensifying pressure on European industry.
- He calls for more non-predatory Chinese investment in Europe and proposes reciprocal steps on semiconductor equipment and rare-earth export curbs, as Beijing reiterates warnings against protectionism.