Editor’s Note
The head of France’s main industry lobby warns that recent U.S. trade tariffs signal the start of a “great global upheaval,” with the full impact on French firms still uncertain.
For the past six months, Alexandre Saubot has not hidden his concern when questioned about the commercial tariffs imposed by the United States.
explained, in late September, the president of France Industrie, the lobby for industrial companies in France, and CEO of the Haulotte group, which specializes in manufacturing lifting equipment (aerial work platforms, trolleys…). Since the
, many economic actors are moving forward, like Mr. Saubot, in the fog.
In six months, the tariff war has changed intensity several times, presenting as many jolts to which companies must adapt: Donald Trump opened it on April 2 with 20% tariffs for French exporters, reduced on April 9 to 10% for a period of ninety days, only to be raised again to 15% in August for most products (against a threat of 30% brandished in July). Steel and aluminum were subject to separate treatment from the start with +50% taxes, as was the automotive sector (+25%).