French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday criticized tariffs imposed by powerful nations, describing them as a form of “blackmail” rather than genuine efforts to correct trade imbalances.
Speaking at the International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain, Macron argued that international trade needs to be based on freedom and fairness, not protectionism driven by the strongest economies. While he didn’t directly name the United States or President Donald Trump, his remarks came as the European Union works to finalise a trade agreement with Washington before a July 9 deadline.
“We must restore freedom and equity to international trade, rather than relying on barriers and tariffs crafted by the most powerful, which too often become tools of blackmail instead of genuine balancing measures,” Macron said.
He also called for reforming and supporting the World Trade Organisation so it can better address global challenges like inequality and climate change.
Macron condemned renewed trade wars and protectionist measures, calling them harmful, especially when they target emerging economies. “At a time when many countries are just beginning to grow, imposing new tariffs is an absurdity,” he added.
In April, Trump announced sweeping global tariffs of 10-50% on imports, although many were later reduced for a 90-day period. The UN’s trade agency warned these measures could devastate developing nations, with some of the poorest—such as Lesotho, Cambodia, Laos, Madagascar and Myanmar—facing steep tariffs.
Macron, a consistent critic of US trade policy, also noted it makes little sense to demand higher European defence spending while simultaneously launching trade wars.
