Trump’s tariffs are wreaking havoc with the global economy. Like other countries around the world, they have pushed French President Emmanuel Macron to sound the alarm across Europe. On Thursday, Macron urged European businesses to hold off on any new investments in the United States.

His message? Don’t jump into American deals while the rules of the game are changing.

Macron’s call came after President Trump rolled out a fresh batch of global tariffs, aimed at key imports. These new rules rattled global markets and spooked European leaders. Macron didn’t mince words.

The French President said the tariffs are “unfair,” disruptive, and a direct hit to international trade stability.

Major French Investments are at Risk

Macron’s timing is sharp. Just weeks ago, two French giants - CMA CGM and Schneider Electric - announced huge investments in the U.S. CMA CGM planned to pour $20 billion into building out shipping terminals and logistics hubs. Trump praised the move, highlighting it as a win for American infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Schneider Electric pledged $700 million to boost energy systems in the U.S., especially those powering AI development.

Now, Macron wants those deals frozen.

Trump / IG / The French President is asking European CEOs to hit pause until the dust of Trump's "mindless" tariffs settles.

You bet! This is not just about the money. It is about sending a clear message. Macron wants Washington to feel the pressure and come back to the table with fairer terms.

Macron Wants European Companies to React “Industry by Industry”

The French President says the response to Trump’s tariffs must be wide and smart. He wants Europe to react “industry by industry,” hitting sectors that matter to the U.S. economy. Digital services, finance, and tech infrastructure are all on the list. Europe’s goal: strike where it stings, not where it bounces.

The anti-coercion mechanism - a tool the EU uses to fight economic pressure - could come into play. Macron hinted at using it to protect European interests. It’s basically Europe’s way of saying: If you hit us, we will hit back in ways that count.

The EU used similar tactics during past disputes, but Macron says this time, the counter-punch will land harder.

Stronger Pushback Than Before

Back in 2018, Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum sparked a wave of European retaliation. But this time, Macron warns that Europe’s answer will be “more powerful.” He wants unity, speed, and a strategy that sends a clear message: Europe won’t play nice if the rules are not fair.

Macron / IG / Macron is not talking empty threats. He is rallying European leaders to hold the line and act together.

If they cave or hesitate, the risk is clear: Trump’s tariffs could spiral into a full-blown trade war. That is something neither side can afford right now, especially with shaky global markets and mounting inflation.

High Stakes for Europe and the U.S.

What makes this moment more tense is the kind of investments at stake. These are not small deals. CMA CGM’s $20 billion plan is not just about ships and containers. It is about jobs, logistics, and long-term U.S. port strategy. Schneider’s move ties directly into AI and green energy, two areas Washington is banking on for future growth.

Macron knows pulling back from these deals is not easy. It could upset companies, disrupt timelines, and slow innovation. But his point is clear: Europe can’t reward bad behavior with billions of dollars. He wants leverage, and withholding investment is one of the strongest cards on the table.