France is ready to apply to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in connection with the possible introduction of new duties on French products from the United States, said French Minister of Economics and Finance Bruno Le Mer.
As stated in the report of the US trade representative, France pursues a discriminatory policy against digital American companies, in response to this, the United States may introduce duties at a rate of up to 100% on French goods up to $ 2.4 billion. New duties may be introduced for French champagne, cheese, and yogurt. In October, the United States already imposed additional duties of 25% on French wines as part of the Airbus case.
“We are ready to reach (level – ed.) International justice, that is, the World Trade Organization. Because this digital taxation of France affects – yes – American enterprises, but also European, French and Chinese companies. There is nothing discriminatory in it, ”the minister emphasized in an interview with France 3.
“I object to the fact that this taxation is discriminatory, as emphasized by the US administration. And to a greater extent, I am opposed to American sanctions because they have no legal basis, ”added Le Mayor.
Earlier, Le Mayor said that if Washington introduces new duties on French products, the EU is ready to give a “strong answer.”
In mid-July, the French parliament passed a service tax law for major digital companies such as Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google. This law has caused strong criticism from the United States. The American leader said that as a response, may introduce a tax on French wine. At the same time, in August, French President Emmanuel Macron said that an agreement was reached between Paris and Washington: as soon as the digital tax is introduced at the international level, France will abolish its tax for the largest digital companies (GAFA).