France urges a united European Union response and Germany plans talks with allies after US President Donald Trump raised his global tariff to 15% on Saturday, defying a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his initial trade measures. The hike, effective immediately, targets major US partners including the EU, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
As covered in earlier reporting on the US domestic fallout, President Trump on February 20, 2026, imposed a 10% global tariff following a 6-3 Supreme Court decision deeming his prior use of emergency powers unlawful. He escalated it to 15% the next day via Truth Social, calling the ruling 'ridiculous' and 'anti-American.'
European leaders swiftly reacted. France's Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Nicolas Forissier, told the Financial Times that 'a united approach from the European Union will be necessary' and voiced support for EU retaliatory measures. The French ministry is coordinating with the European Commission to assess impacts. President Emmanuel Macron praised democratic 'powers and counterpowers,' advocating fair rules and de-escalation.
In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans for discussions with European allies to forge a common stance ahead of a Trump meeting in Washington. 'We will have a very clear European position on this, as trade policy falls under the European Union,' Merz said on ARD.
The court's ruling raises prospects of reimbursing over $130 billion in prior tariffs collected in 2025, potentially complicating global trade further amid these transatlantic tensions.
