France has joined a group of countries proposing that the European Union consider implementing its toughest measures yet in response to U.S. tariffs.
According to Bloomberg, Paris, along with other EU member states, is pushing for discussions on the use of the so-called anti-coercion instrument. This mechanism is designed to protect the EU from external economic pressure and was introduced following U.S. tariff wars under Donald Trump, as well as China’s pressure on Lithuania over Taiwan.
Bloomberg reports that the European Commission is not currently planning to apply this instrument. One of the agency’s sources noted that discussions on its potential use are still in the early stages, as the EU awaits details on the tariffs the U.S. will introduce on April 2.
Last week, Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum. In response, on March 12, the European Commission stated that it would impose duties on iconic American goods, including Harley-Davidson motorcycles, jeans, and bourbon. However, after Trump threatened a 200% tariff on French and European wine, the EU postponed its countermeasures until mid-April.
