French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday denounced the use of tariffs by powerful nations, describing them as a form of “blackmail” rather than legitimate tools for rebalancing global trade.
Speaking at the International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain, Macron did not directly mention the United States or President Donald Trump, but his remarks came as the European Union continues trade negotiations with Washington ahead of a July 9 deadline.
“We need to restore freedom and equity to international trade, much more than barriers and tariffs, which are devised by the strongest, and which are often used as instruments of blackmail, not at all as instruments of rebalancing,” Macron said.
The French leader also called for reforms to the World Trade Organization, arguing it must better align with the global goals of reducing inequality and combating climate change.
“Bringing back a trade war and tariffs at this moment in the life of the planet is an aberration,” he said. “Especially when I see the tariffs that are being imposed on countries that are just beginning their economic takeoff.”
In April, President Trump introduced sweeping global tariffs, threatening import taxes of 10% to 50% on goods entering the United States. He later eased the tariffs temporarily for a 90-day period. The move drew international concern, with the United Nations trade agency warning of potentially catastrophic effects on developing nations. Countries such as Lesotho, Cambodia, Laos, Madagascar, and Myanmar were expected to face some of the steepest levies.
Macron, who has previously criticised Washington’s tariff strategy, has also questioned the logic of asking Europe to increase its defence spending while being targeted in a global trade war.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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