15% customs duties with the United States: a painful day for French SMEs
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Until now, European spirits entering the United States were not taxed; now they will be taxed at 15%. Here, the family business in Houlette, Charente, on April 9, 2025. (Céline Levain/Mirage Collectif for Libération)
Thursday, August 7, was flashing red on their calendars: for French businesses, it was the day that marked the entry into force of the single 15% customs duty finally imposed by Donald Trump on most products from the European Union entering the United States. The agreement announced on July 27 following the meeting between the American president and the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was seen by some as a capitulation . By others as a lesser evil compared to the initial threats of the capricious tenant of the White House.
In an interview given to Libération , the Minister of the Economy Eric Lombard described this forced deal as
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