France Hails 15% Tariff Cap With U.S., Says Wider Trade Rift Averted

French officials said a provisional accord with Washington will cap U.S. import duties on European products at 15%, averting the steeper levies that had been threatened during the trans-Atlantic dispute over trade balances. Agriculture and Food Sovereignty Minister Annie Genevard called the agreement "an upper limit" and said Paris hopes the rate "will not go beyond that" as detailed negotiations continue. She added that the level of concern among producers remains "maximal," but welcomed the fact that "an escalation has been avoided." Economy Minister Éric Lombard likewise described the outcome as "a relief," emphasising that the arrangement prevents a broader trade conflict with the United States. Responding to comparisons with Britain’s separate pact, Trade Minister Olivier Saint-Martin argued it is "wrong to say the UK secured a better deal," noting that the two sets of negotiations followed different parameters.