French President Emmanuel Macron criticized escalating trade disputes between America and Europe on Tuesday, calling tariff battles a distraction as President Donald Trump prepared to impose new duties on European automobiles.
Speaking to reporters while visiting Armenia, Macron argued that both sides should focus on more pressing global challenges rather than economic threats.
“Especially in the geopolitical period we are experiencing, allies like the United States of America and the European Union have much better things to do than to stir up threats of destabilization,” Macron stated during his remarks.
The French leader’s comments followed Trump’s Friday announcement that automotive tariffs on EU imports would jump to 25% within days, potentially dealing another blow to an already strained global economy facing Middle East conflict impacts.
Macron emphasized the need for economic reassurance, telling reporters: “For our businesses, our households, our populations, we should rather send a message of stability and confidence.” He expressed optimism that “reason will prevail soon.”
The tariff escalation stems partly from Trump’s anger over comments made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who suggested Iran had embarrassed the United States during war-ending negotiations. Germany’s significant automotive sector would face substantial damage from the increased duties.
Trump has responded to the German leader’s remarks by threatening to withdraw thousands of American military personnel from Germany.
Without providing specifics, Trump claimed the European Union was “not complying with our fully agreed to Trade Deal.”
Trade representatives from both sides were scheduled to discuss the dispute during Tuesday meetings in Paris.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the EU-Armenia summit in Yerevan, defended existing agreements when asked about the tariff threats.
“A deal is a deal, and we have a deal. And the essence of this deal is prosperity, common rules and reliability,” von der Leyen declared.
The commission president noted that her organization, which handles trade negotiations for all 27 EU member nations, remains “prepared for every scenario” should diplomatic efforts fail.
Trump and von der Leyen had reached a trade agreement in July 2025 establishing a 15% tariff cap on most products, though the U.S. Supreme Court later challenged the legal framework Trump used to implement such taxes.
Macron stressed the importance of honoring international commitments, warning that reopening agreements “would reopen everything.” He cautioned that “the European Union has instruments that would then need to be activated” if deals are violated.
