French Minister of Industry and Energy Marc Ferracci voiced serious concerns over the impact of new United States tariffs on French businesses. In an interview on France Info, Ferracci warned that the tariffs could pose a significant threat to employment, particularly in industries heavily reliant on exports to the US.

He emphasized that Europe must deliver a firm and proportional response, stating, “We can increase tariffs, impose quantitative restrictions, or tax specific types of services. All these options are on the table.”

According to Ferracci, approximately 28,000 French companies export to the United States, with many depending on the US market for more than half of their business. He warned that both direct and indirect consequences are expected, particularly in industries with integrated transatlantic supply chains.

“These measures could disrupt the entire structure of certain sectors,” Ferracci said, highlighting cosmetics, luxury goods, aerospace, and mechanical industries as especially vulnerable. The minister underscored that these sectors are deeply interconnected with the US economy, making them susceptible to cascading effects from rising tariffs.

Ferracci also expressed concern about the broader implications of the tariff hikes, suggesting they risk destabilizing global trade relations and established value chains. He noted that France and the European Union cannot remain passive in the face of such trade disruptions.

As trade tensions escalate, Ferracci’s remarks reflect a growing urgency among EU leaders to formulate a cohesive and strategic response. He concluded by reaffirming the importance of unity within the European Union and a coordinated approach to defending the continent’s economic interests.