France says Bessent receptive to idea of zero reciprocal tariffs

US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent speaks during the daily briefing in the Brady Briefing Room. (File/AFP)
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Updated 30 April 2025
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France says Bessent receptive to idea of zero reciprocal tariffs

PARIS: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is receptive to the idea of zero reciprocal tariffs between France and the United States, French finance minister Eric Lombard said, as France and the European Union continue tariff talks with the US
“He told me that this was not out of reach,” Lombard told Sud Radio on Wednesday as he summarised talks he had held with Bessent.
“We want to get back to zero tariffs. Our American partners have been softening their position,” he added.


UK’s Starmer speaks with US President Trump on Middle East

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UK’s Starmer speaks with US President Trump on Middle East

LONDON: ‌Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with US President Donald Trump on ​Sunday, less than a day after Trump mounted his latest criticism of the British leader over a perceived lack of support for the US campaign against Iran.
“The leaders ‌began by ‌discussing the ​latest ‌situation ⁠in ​the Middle East ⁠and the military cooperation between the UK and US through the use of RAF (Royal Air Force) bases in support of the collective self-defense of ⁠partners in the region,” ‌a spokeswoman ‌from Starmer’s office said ​in a ‌statement.
The statement did not ‌reference Trump’s most recent remarks, made in a post on Truth Social, in which he responded ‌to news Britain may send an aircraft carrier to the ⁠region ⁠by saying “We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!“
The spokeswoman from Starmer’s office added: “The Prime Minister also shared his heartfelt condolences with President Trump and the American people following the deaths of six ​US soldiers.”
“They looked ​forward to speaking again soon.”