Customs rights: “We have changed in a world of economic predators” … for Éric Lombard, the “deal” concluded with Trump is “bad” but it is “the least bad of solutions”

“The work continues”. Meanwhile, After the signing of the trade agreement between the European Union. Similarly, the United States, the Minister of the Economy, Éric Lombard, tried this interview with this Monday 28 on Monday in an interview with Libération that he was not “complete”. Nevertheless, “There is a base, it’s 15 %, and exemptions that are not yet all detailed, he explains. In addition, But” work continues “he adds, because “The agreement is not finalized and we will ensure that it is improved”.

On the side of exemptions. “It is certain for aeronautics and spare parts of customs rights: “we have changed this industry “he adds. “Discussions must continue to Pharmaceutical products – We understand that some generics will be exempt -. on steel, on aluminum, chemicals, semiconductors and wines and agricultural products “.

For spirits, the minister remains in the conditional. The French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin has already mentioned these goods among the exemptions provided for in the agreement. the Federation of Exporters of Wine and Spirits (FEVS) also wants to believe that the case is heard. However, nothing had yet arrested on Monday evening, the discussions continue.

“The least bad solutions” – Customs rights: "we have changed

Asked about the other component of the agreement. namely The $ 750 billion energy purchase and the 600 billion investments in the United StatesÉric Lombard replies that “Europe wants to end any dependence on Russian gas, which provides another 20 % of LNG (liquefied natural gas). Most of the 750 billion aims at this customs rights: “we have changed desensitization strategy”.

As for the $ 600 billion in investment. “It is an estimate of the investment flows expected up to 2029 from European companies” more “It is a decision that belongs to the private actors”.

The Minister considers that the agreement concluded is the “Less bad solutions” and that the priority was to “put an end to an uncertainty that penalizes our economy”: Facing the“offensive” of the United States. “Europe had the choice only with bad solutions. It is a bad agreement but the least bad of solutions. “

A modest impact on the economy

As for the repercussions of customs duties. “The first estimates establish a modest impact on our economy”indicates the minister. Additionally, “In the longer term, it is by ricochet the slightest American growth that can affect us”he said.

While the United States wanted “To question our rules”. “Together we were able to circumscribe the customs rights: “we have changed debate to customs duties and then discuss their level, until it appeared clearly that the base which would allow to have an agreement was to accept rights of 15 % with sectoral exceptions”he explains.

According to Éric Lombard. Furthermore, “All weighed, this agreement is the one that will have the least negative effect on our economy.”

Confirming the announcement “At the start of the school year” of a revision of the 2025 growth forecast. he underlines that “We will see if the negative impact of the increase in customs duties is compensated by the positive impact of the lifting of uncertainty”. Currently the forecast of the government for 2025 is 0.7 %.

“We have changed in a world of economic predators”estimates Éric Lombard. And in his eyes, Chinese competition on industrial products is “even more worrying than the American attitude”.