Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Macron and Trump at D-Day commemorations last month. PA Images

'American wine is better than French wine!' - Trump threatens tariffs on France and 'foolish' Macron

The US President was responding to France’s new a digital services tax.

US PRESIDENT DONALD Trump has accused French counterpart Emmanuel Macron of “foolishness” and threatened tariffs on French wine in response to moves to tax tech giants.

In a tweet this evening, Trump said:

“France just put a digital tax on our great American technology companies. If anybody taxes them, it should be their home Country, the USA. We will announce a substantial reciprocal action on Macron’s foolishness shortly. I’ve always said American wine is better than French wine!”

Trump’s tweet was linked to a law passed by the French parliament this month on taxing digital companies for income even if their headquarters are elsewhere. This would aim directly at US-based global giants like Amazon.

Deputy White House spokesman Judd Deere said Washington was “extremely disappointed by France’s decision to adopt a digital services tax at the expense of US companies and workers.”

“The Trump administration has consistently stated that it will not sit idly by and tolerate discrimination against US-based firms,” he said in a statement.

In addition to a probe already opened by the US government against France, “the administration is looking closely at all other policy tools.”

Trump has generally got along well with Macron, avoiding some of the more stormy episodes marring traditionally stable relations with other close US allies in Europe and Asia.

But his drive to correct what he sees as unfair trade practices by allies and rivals alike has stirred unprecedented discord.

And this is not the first time that he has mused about taking aim at France’s renowned wine industry.

In June, he told CNBC television that domestic wine makers had complained to him about the difficulties of entering the European market.

“You know what? It’s not fair. We’ll do something about it,” he said.

- With reporting by © – AFP 2019

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
81 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eoin Fitzgerald
    Favourite Eoin Fitzgerald
    Report
    May 24th 2021, 10:24 AM

    RIP innocent souls

    113
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin O'Hara
    Favourite Kevin O'Hara
    Report
    May 24th 2021, 10:39 AM

    Terrible for those people. Visited Goma in 2007, the city was still in a semi ruined state from the eruption in 02 with lave fields for roads. On top of the that you had the numerous militias such as those who fled from Rwanda, terrorising the surrounding areas resulting in tens of thousands of displaced people.

    71
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Somers
    Favourite Paul Somers
    Report
    May 24th 2021, 11:32 AM

    @Kevin O’Hara: sounds like hell on earth

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin O'Hara
    Favourite Kevin O'Hara
    Report
    May 24th 2021, 12:17 PM

    @Paul Somers: It’s a shame Paul, very nice people but totally exploited for the vast minerals that are found there. There were over 10 african countries fighting directly or indirectly for control over these in the late 90s.

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute andrew
    Favourite andrew
    Report
    May 24th 2021, 8:37 PM

    Dreadful situation hope nobody else gets injured by these Volcanic eruption.

    4
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel