French public backs strong retaliation to US tariffs, poll finds
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Only 34% of those polled preferred pursuing negotiations with the US administration, even if it required economic concessions to avoid further escalation.
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A spectator waves a French flag before a beach volleyball match between the US and Czechia at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
A majority of French citizens support a firm and retaliatory approach to US President Donald Trump's latest wave of tariffs, according to a recent Elabe poll for Les Echos, with 64% favoring reciprocal duties on American imports. The survey, conducted April 1–2 among 1,000 respondents, shows this position is widely shared across all political affiliations in France.
Only 34% of those polled preferred pursuing negotiations with the US administration, even if it required economic concessions to avoid further escalation. A vast majority voiced concern over the global fallout: 82% believe the tariffs will harm the global economy, while 80% and 76%, respectively, anticipate negative effects on European and American companies. Over 70% said consumers on both continents would bear the brunt of rising prices.
In terms of long-term strategy, 41% of respondents said France should work with other EU nations to produce essential goods locally, while 39% supported full national self-sufficiency to reduce dependence on foreign imports.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed public sentiment on Thursday, urging national companies to freeze investments in the US until Washington clarifies its economic direction. France, along with other EU states, is now subject to a 20% tariff under the new policy.
Tariff Standoff
Trump's executive order, signed Wednesday, sets a 10% base tariff on all imports beginning April 5. Additional country-specific tariffs—targeting nations with significant trade surpluses with the US—will take effect on April 9. These include the EU, China, and India.
The European Union has responded with mounting concern. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed Brussels is preparing targeted countermeasures. "We are now preparing for further countermeasures," she stated, signaling that retaliatory tariffs on US goods such as orange juice, blue jeans, and motorcycles are under consideration.
Read more: EU retaliation to US tariffs could extend 'beyond customs duties'
France's aerospace sector has also entered the fray, with Airbus and its industry lobby group Gifas urging a proportional but strategic EU response. The European Commission aims to protect sensitive sectors while avoiding uncontrolled escalation.
EU member states are expected to vote on the retaliatory measures on April 9, the same day Trump's elevated tariffs take effect. Brussels' goal is to deliver a calibrated response that defends European interests without fueling a full-scale trade war.
