"Tariffs by Powerful Countries Used as Tools of Extortion, Not Trade Balance" – French President Macron

"Tariffs by Powerful Countries Used as Tools of Extortion, Not Trade Balance" – French President Macron
Seville, Spain | July 1, 2025 —

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday delivered a scathing critique, stating that powerful nations use tariffs in global trade not as tools to restore balance, but rather as instruments of “extortion.”

Speaking at the International Development Finance Conference in Seville, Spain, Macron said, “What we need is to reestablish freedom and fairness in international trade—not more tariffs and trade barriers. These tariffs are often imposed by powerful nations not to create balance, but to exert pressure and extort.”

Although Macron did not mention U.S. President Donald Trump by name, the context of his remarks made it clear—they came amid ongoing U.S.-EU trade negotiations, with the deadline for a deal set for July 9.

Call for WTO Reform
Macron also called for reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO), stating, “This institution must be restructured so it can effectively combat inequality and play a role in the fight against climate change.”

He warned, “In this time of crisis, launching a new trade war and imposing tariffs is a grave mistake—especially when I see tariffs being imposed on countries that are only just beginning their economic development.”

U.S. Response
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected Macron’s comments, saying, “Tariffs are an effective tool helping to revitalize America’s manufacturing sector. President Trump continues trade negotiations in the best interest of American workers.”

She added, “Europe and other parts of the world may not be used to this kind of firm stance, but President Trump is back, and he will continue to act in the interest of our people and our nation.”

Concern for Developing Nations
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has warned that such tariffs could have devastating effects on developing countries. Some of the world’s least developed nations—such as Lesotho, Cambodia, Laos, Madagascar, and Myanmar—may be especially vulnerable to these high tariffs.

Macron’s Final Message
In his closing remarks at the conference, Macron said, “On one hand, Europe is being asked to spend more on defense, while on the other hand, a trade war is being initiated at the same time—this is utterly illogical.”