Khaberni - The French newspaper «Le Monde» considered that the announcement by US President Donald Trump to impose a 15% tax on goods arriving in the United States following the Supreme Court's rejection of his previous decision opens a new chapter of instability, causing concern for French companies.
Initially, the Supreme Court's decision, issued on Friday, which annulled what is known as "reciprocal customs duties" imposed by Trump, appeared to be good news for European companies. However, this joy did not last long, as the weekend witnessed a series of rapid and contradictory developments, ending the scene in an atmosphere of confusion and disarray.
The CEO of «Halot» and the head of the «France Industry» organization representing the French industrial sector, Alexander Soab, said: «We are entering a new phase of uncertainty, and this is undoubtedly worrying.»
In response to the Supreme Court's decision ruling him exceeding his powers, the American president decided to impose a new tax on all goods coming to the United States, regardless of their source, based on an American trade law that serves as a legal alternative to the framework he previously used in April 2025, which the court had rejected.
Clause 122 of the US Trade Act allows the government to impose customs duties for up to 150 days, renewable with the approval of Congress, and these duties are scheduled to take effect next Tuesday.
In an additional escalatory step, Trump announced on Saturday that he would raise the tax rate to 15%, the maximum allowed by trade law, a rate that was already applicable to a significant portion of companies.
According to the French newspaper, economic experts warn that this move may increase the state of confusion among French companies, especially small and medium-sized ones that heavily rely on exporting to the American market.
«Le Monde» also pointed out that the uncertainty in legal status and the sudden change in customs policies make financial and strategic planning more difficult and may lead to a slowdown in investments or postponement of significant partnership contracts.
Soab emphasized that «companies need stability in order to compete globally, but successive fluctuations put them in a fragile position against international competitors.»
Politically, the American decision reflects a new escalation in economic tensions between Washington and Europe, which may open the door to reciprocal responses that include raising duties or imposing additional trade restrictions.
Observers note that French companies may have to restructure supply chains or look for alternative markets, which could reshape the contours of international trade in the short to medium term, placing Paris in front of a dual challenge of protecting its companies' interests and securing jobs in a highly volatile international environment.
