The head of the French Ministry of Economy Eric Lombard stated that the European Union and the USA are “still far from the agreement” on customs. He added, however, that meetings with American representatives are “warm”.
– We will not hide that we are still far from the agreement – told journalists the minister, who participates in the meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
French minister about talks with the USA
This week, Lombard met with Kevin Hassett, the main economic advisor of the White House. His interlocutors were also ministers of US trade and finance: Howard Lutnick and Scott Bessent.
“I felt a desire among our interlocutors to go as fast as possible,” said Lombard, adding that Europeans were considered “friends and allies” as part of negotiations.
He added that “we are in the process of looking for issues in which you can use to go forward.” He assured that he was trying to “get out of a slightly blocked situation.” The French minister decided that the new American duties are affecting above all US economy.
“We hope that this impact inside the country will push the administration to propose amendments,” said Lombard.
Source of the main photo: PAP/EPA/AL DRAGO/POOL