Customs Duties: Europe Reflects on "a Series of Countermeasures", Confirms Laurent Saint-Martin on LCI

The Minister responsible for foreign trade Laurent Saint-Martin confirmed this Sunday on LCI that Europe was thinking about "a series of countermeasures" in the event of an increase in US customs duties. Donald Trump threatened the European Union with 50% taxes as early as June 1. - Customs duties: Europe is thinking about "a series of countermeasures", confirmed Laurent Saint-Martin on LCI (Economy).

Laurent Saint-Martin believes in the European Union's negotiating capabilities vis-à-vis Donald Trump, but France fears a "untenable" situation in certain sectors.

France fears that the main export sectors to the United States, such as wine and cosmetics, will face 50% customs surcharges due to the lack of progress on trade negotiations with the European Union. For some of our sectors, such as wines and spirits, cosmetics, aeronautics and all those of success in exporting, this would lead to an absolutely untenable situation in the long term, Laurent Saint-Martin said in an interview with the newspaper La …

In an interview given to "La Tribune" this Sunday, May 25, 2025, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin commented on Donald Trump's statements.

"It would obviously be a disaster for everyone but, I insist, first of all for the American economy," said the minister responsible for foreign trade, Laurent Saint-Martin, while Donald Trump threatens the European Union to apply 50% of customs duties from 1 June.