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France’s Macron urges firms to halt US investments in ‘collective solidarity’

Macron also insisted the EU should not be shy when responding to US tariffs

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France’s President Emmanuel Macron arrives for a meeting with representatives of the sectors affected by US tariffs, at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Thursday. Photo: AFP

French President Emmanuel Macron urged companies to pause investments in the US after President Donald Trump announced tariffs on the European Union and other regions.

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It makes little sense for firms to invest there while the US hits out against Europe, Macron added, speaking ahead of a meeting with representatives of industry groups affected by tariffs.

“What would be the message of having big European players that invest billions in the American economy at the same time they are hitting us?” Macron said. “We must have collective solidarity.”
Trump, speaking from the White House on Wednesday, announced a 20 per cent tariff on EU imports, which will take effect April 9. He repeated his assertion that the 27 member states “rip us off” and called it “pathetic”.

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The American president named French maritime company CMA CGM SA and carmaker Stellantis NV as companies that have recently invested in the US thanks to him. The French shipping giant said last month it would invest US$20 billion in the US to develop maritime infrastructure.

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