Trump tariff row: How much - and what - does the US export to France and vice versa

A 25% tariff on certain imports from the EU has been announced by US President Donald Trump who claims “the EU has been very unfair to us”. 

The latest figures for the trade balance between the US and France can be seen below.

The tariffs on cars, pharmaceuticals and computer chips was announced on February 13, however the EU hopes to roll them back through negotiations.

Announcing the plan President Trump pointed to the US’ $350 (€335) billion trade deficit with the EU.

"They don't take our cars, they don't take our farm products, they don't take almost anything. They take very little. And we're going to have to straighten that out. And we will, I have no doubt about it," said Mr Trump.

Nonetheless, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Šefčovič, said he hoped the EU could avoid the tariffs - as well as potential European retaliation - through negotiations.

"The EU is interested in making deals – deals that foster fairness, burden-sharing and mutual benefits," he said on February 19.

French trade balance with the US

The United States is France's fourth largest destination for exports (behind Germany, Italy and Belgium), and its fifth largest for imports, according to the latest complete data from 2023.

French exports to the United States in 2023 were driven by aeronautics (€7.9billion, or 17.6% of the total), pharmaceuticals (€4.1billion, 9%) and beverages (€3.9billion, 8.6%). 

All three categories fell relative to 2022 figures, particularly beverages, which dropped by 20.6%, or €1billion.