đ General context
In April 2025, Trump imposed reciprocal tariffs on European products, reaching up to 20% to reduce the trade surplus, then lowered to 10% during a 90-day truce.
The targeted sectors include, in particular, cars, aluminum, steel, as well as agricultural and food products.
đ Deadlines pushed back
Initially scheduled for June 1, the date for implementing tariffs of up to 50% on European goods has been pushed back to July 9, 2025, following exchanges between Trump and Ursula von der Leyen.
This deadline has been moved again to August 1, 2025, with warning letters expected in early July.
đ«đ· French and European position
The EU presents a united front: the goal is to reach an agreement, but several countries like Germany would prefer a quick compromise, while France, under Macron, adopts a firmer stance.
Specific threats weigh on agricultural products, including French cheeses and other goods, with a risk of a tariff up to **17%**.
đïž Ongoing negotiations
Intensive discussions continue between the two parties: partial agreements (âskinny dealsâ) could be finalized before the deadline, delaying the imposition of high tariffs.
Scott Bessent (US Treasury) indicates that several agreements are underway, but if they fail, warning letters (up to 70%) will be sent to about a hundred countries on August 1.
â What this means for France
To date: no additional tariffs in effect â the pause is maintained until August 1.
In case of failure of the agreements by then, tariffs ranging from 10% to 50%, or even 70%, could apply to French exports â particularly in the automotive, agricultural, food, and aluminum sectors.
The EU is ready to retaliate with its own defensive measures, targeting American products such as beef or Boeing aviation.
đ Prospects and next steps
By August 1: negotiations must lead to a provisional agreement to avoid tariff escalation.
The French government and the EU will continue to pursue common cohesion, while balancing firmness (Macron) vs. pragmatism (Germany).
In case of failure, retaliatory measures will be activated on the EU side.
In summary
For now, France is enjoying a reprieve thanks to the suspension of American tariffs. But everything remains in limbo: there are a few crucial weeks left to finalize an agreement. Otherwise, French exporters could face drastic customs barriers starting August 1.