France’s Finance Minister Eric Lombard criticized the intensifying trade conflict between the US and EU as “idiotic” on Friday, announcing his imminent trip to the United States following Washington’s threat to impose significant tariffs on French wine and champagne.
“We need to engage in dialogue with the Americans to de-escalate the situation,” Lombard stated during an interview with France 2 television.
Since taking office, US President Donald Trump has initiated trade disputes with both competitors and allies, using tariffs as leverage to influence trade and various policy matters.
On Thursday, the billionaire Republican president warned of potential 200-percent tariffs on French wine, champagne, and other alcoholic beverages from France and other EU nations.
This threat came in response to the EU’s announcement on Wednesday of tariffs on $28 billion worth of US goods, which will be implemented in phases starting in April and will affect products such as bourbon, boats, and motorcycles.
This development followed the implementation of US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports that took effect on the same day.
“By pursuing this course, the United States is inflicting harm upon itself,” Lombard remarked, labeling the situation as an “idiotic war.”
He indicated that he would be traveling to the United States “in the coming days” to meet with his American counterparts.
Lombard and French Foreign Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin had a “frank and clear” discussion with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday, as reported by the French finance ministry.
In 2023, Europe exported nearly $5.2 billion worth of wine and champagne to the United States, according to the World Trade Organization.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Wednesday that the EU would protect its interests while remaining “open to negotiations” with the United States regarding the rising tariffs between the two economic powers.
Regarding US tariffs, Von der Leyen expressed that the European Commission “deeply regretted” the countermeasures being taken.
“Tariffs are essentially taxes. They are detrimental to businesses and even more so to consumers. These tariffs are disrupting supply chains.”
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