Trump Threatens Tariffs “Up To 100%” On French Goods

The Washington Post reports:

President Trump revved up his global trade war on two fronts Monday, announcing tariffs on industrial metals from Brazil and Argentina while eyeing tariffs of up to 100 percent on a number of French imports.

The administration said the moves were necessary because U.S. trading partners were acting unfairly to disadvantage both the country’s traditional economic pillars as well as its best hopes for future prosperity.

Robert E. Lighthizer, the president’s chief negotiator, released the results of a five-month investigation that concluded a French digital services tax discriminated against American Internet companies and should be met with tariffs of up to 100-percent on $2.4 billion in products such a cheese, yogurt, sparkling wine and makeup.

BREAKING: Trump Admin proposes tariffs “up to 100%” on certain French goods (about $2.4 bn worth) in retaliation for France’s digital services tax

Items include:
Sparkling wine
Swiss, Grueyer, Pecorino and other cheeses
Handbags
Various makeup productshttps://t.co/bVUKZAxEGD

— Heather Long (@byHeatherLong) December 2, 2019

2019: Trade war with China, Canada, and Mexico
2020: Trade war with Brazil, Argentina, and France (and maybe China, Canada, and Mexico)
https://t.co/HlkgETHVxr

— Damian Paletta (@damianpaletta) December 2, 2019

USTR releases Section 301 Report on France’s Digital Services Tax (DST) and threatens retaliation.

“The list of French products subject to potential duties includes 63 tariff subheadings with an approximate trade value of $2.4 billion”

93 page report ?? https://t.co/XWtz5oltyW pic.twitter.com/eXaKcEaqJN

— Chad P. Bown (@ChadBown) December 2, 2019