French President Emmanuel Macron has warned the United States "not to start a trade war between friends", as US President Donald Trump said he was heading to Canada for the G7 summit "to fight for our country on trade."
After cautioning the US leader during a press conference in Canada with the summit's host, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Macron took to Twitter in English to insist the G7 could reach deals without Trump.
"The American President may not mind being isolated, but neither do we mind signing a 6-country agreement if need be," he wrote.
"The six other G7 countries combined form a larger market than the American market. This must not be forgotten," the French president said.
Appealing to Trump, who has justified slapping tariffs on US allies by saying he wants to protect US jobs and boost the country's economy, Macron insisted: "A trade war is not good for anyone, starting with the American workers!"
Trudeau has remained upbeat, saying he was hopeful the summit would allow the parties to talk out their differences, but predicted "robust discussions" on trade.
"The actual fact that we will have these discussions is good for our countries and good for the world," Trudeau said, noting that there were other matters at stake besides trade, including ensuring global security and advancing gender equality.
The comments come amid growing concern over trade disputes between the United States and its partners in North America and in Europe. The US has slapped tariffs on Canada, Mexico and the European Union and they in return announced retaliatory measures.
Macron also pushed back against Washington's justification that the US tariffs are based on national security, saying this was untrue and that the trade dispute would even end up hurting US jobs.
There are diminishing hopes the G7 will defuse the situation and allow the sides to step back from an all-out trade war.
Trump took to Twitter late on Thursday as well to respond to the leaders of Canada and France.
"Please tell Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron that they are charging the US massive tariffs and create non-monetary barriers... Look forward to seeing them tomorrow," Trump said.
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