Macron Says US Tariffs Used as Leverage 'Unacceptable'

Summary

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, criticizing US trade strategy as using tariffs and trade agreements as leverage to weaken Europe. He also warned that China's excess capacity and distortive practices threaten to overwhelm industrial and commercial sectors. Macron called for greater European economic sovereignty, a more realistic approach to protection, and the use of tools like the anti-coercion mechanism to defend European industries, specifically naming chemicals and autos as sectors being killed by unfair competition.

• Macron criticizes US tariffs and trade pressure as unacceptable leverage against Europe.
• He warns China's overcapacity and distortive practices threaten global industrial sectors.
• He rejects passive acceptance of the law of the strongest and purely moral postures.
• He calls for more European economic sovereignty and strategic autonomy.
• He says Europe is too naive and must protect its industries when others do not respect level playing fields.
• He specifically flags European chemicals and autos as sectors being killed by unfair competition.
• He urges Europe to use its anti-coercion mechanism and other strong tools.
• He advocates effective multilateralism through cooperation.