September 18, 2026

Macron says Trump, von der Leyen had 'good exchange'

The French president says he hopes they can get to the lowest tariffs possible

Macron says Trump, von der Leyen had 'good exchange'
French President Emmanuel Macron attends a meeting with Chairman of Vietnam's National Assembly Tran Thanh Man (not pictured) at the National Assembly, during Macron's first official trip to the country, in Hanoi, Vietnam, May 26, 2025. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa/Pool

bdnews24.com

Reuters

Published : 27 May 2025, 01:03 AM

Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 01:20 PM

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump had a "good exchange" and that he said he hopes they can get to the lowest tariffs possible.

"The discussions are advancing. There has been a good exchange between President Trump and President Von der Leyen and I hope we can continue on this road and return to the lowest possible tariffs that will allow for fruitful exchanges," Macron told reporters during a trip to Vietnam.

Macron also said tariffs were not the right way to solve trade imbalances.

A weekend telephone call between US President Donald Trump and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen gave "new impetus" to trade talks, an EU spokesperson said on Monday.

After the conversation, Trump dropped his threat to impose 50 percent tariffs on imports from the European Union next month, restoring a July 9 deadline to allow for talks between Washington and the 27-nation bloc to produce a deal.

The EU spokesperson said von der Leyen had initiated the call.

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