Washington (AFP)
French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said Friday that the US administration had "opened the door" to negotiations on tariffs imposed by Washington on European products in retaliation for subsidies granted to the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus.
Following a meeting with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer (USTR) in Washington, The Mayor told AFP that he had accepted the principle of opening negotiations.
"Bob Lighthizer has opened the door to these negotiations, we must take the word and go as soon as possible (...) in view of the seriousness of what affects European producers and in particular the French winemakers", said the minister at the exit of the USTR.
"The sooner the better," said the Mayor adding however that there would be "no suspension of sanctions on the American side".
"This calls for us to start negotiations between the European Commission and the US administration as soon as possible," he added.
According to him, to reach an agreement on this dispute it will be necessary to treat this issue of aid to Boeing and Airbus "as widely as possible". He did not elaborate on what he meant by that.
The Mayor called the new taxes that came into effect Friday "political and economic error".
US fares include Airbus aircraft which will now cost 10% more when they are imported into the United States.
European wines are also in the sights with a 25% tax.
© 2019 AFP