Macron rejects Trump's tariff threat against French wine and champagne

PARIS, France — French President Emmanuel Macron said he will not accept U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on French wine and champagne, warning that international trade cannot be conducted in such a manner. Macron, speaking in a recent statement, said no concession would be made on the issue and stressed that the global economy needs stability, adding that protectionist policies benefit no side. The dispute stems from France's decision to impose a 3 percent tax on the revenues of large U.S. technology companies operating in the country. Trump has branded the move discriminatory and threatened retaliatory punitive tariffs on French goods. Macron noted that the European Union and the United States had previously reached a tariff arrangement, which he cited as the basis for his opposition to the U.S. threat. Tensions between the two leaders have also been fueled by disagreements over international issues, including Gaza, where Paris has not aligned itself with Washington's initiatives. The friction has produced public criticism from both sides, underscoring the broader strain in transatlantic relations. No timeline has been given for any potential U.S. tariff action, and the French government has not indicated whether further negotiations are planned.