France threatens strong response if Washington imposes tariffs on its products

Paris-Sana

France threatened today a strong European response in the event of tariffs on French products announced by US President Donald Trump yesterday.

"We have reached out to the European Union to ensure a strong European response in the event of US tariffs," French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Lumiere told Radio Classic. "This is not the behavior that can be expected from the United States." One of its main allies - France and Europe in general. ”

Trump, who has since launched the White House on trade wars with many countries, including his European allies, threatened yesterday to impose tariffs on French products in response to the digital tax imposed by Paris on US Internet giants such as Google and Facebook.

"As with all trade-related matters, the European Union will act, respond with one voice and remain united," said European Commission spokesman Daniel Rosario.

Rosario said the European Commission, which handles the trade affairs of EU members, is coordinating closely with the French authorities on the next steps.

Rosario stressed that the Commission with powers in the European trade file will respond to any tax imposed by the United States on French goods by all possible means, noting that it will move within the framework of the World Trade Organization "which we believe is the place to resolve disputes", but called for dialogue for a European-American consensus About the tax system of Internet companies.

France, backed by Britain, argues that the giants of the digital world should pay taxes on the revenue they earn in the country, even if they are based abroad, but Washington believes US companies have been specifically targeted.

The French decision calls for a 3 percent tax on revenues from technology companies in France, which are usually generated by online advertising and other digital services.