In anticipation of an upcoming announcement regarding tariffs by the Trump administration, business leaders in France have adopted a cautious approach, attempting to remain low-profile to avoid attracting negative attention from Washington.

An executive from a major industrial company, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed uncertainty about the potential effects of the new tariffs, stating, 'We do not know how we will be affected.

Will our sector be impacted?

If so, to what extent?

We are in a state of waiting.'

The trepidation among entrepreneurs reflects the global significance of the United States as the world's largest economy.

The forthcoming tariff increases may have varying consequences depending on the extent of changes implemented by the Trump administration.

Currently, the average tariff rates stand at approximately 8%.

Analysts predict that these rates could rise to between 10% and 30%, depending on whether value-added tax (VAT) is included in the calculation.

Ludovic Subran, Chief Economist at Allianz, noted that such an increase would mark a return to tariff levels reminiscent of the 1940s and possibly even the 1800s in some cases.

The implications of higher tariffs are far-reaching, potentially affecting supply chains, pricing strategies, and international trade relationships.

As the global economy remains interconnected, any shifts in U.S. trade policy are likely to reverberate across markets worldwide.

Business leaders continue to monitor the situation closely, awaiting further developments and clarifications on the proposed changes.