Emmanuel Macron telephoned the US president last night to express concern over tariffs

France’s president has told Donald Trump that his decision to impose trade tariffs on EU goods is a “mistake” and “illegal”.

Emmanuel Macron’s office said this morning that the French leader had telephoned Mr Trump last night to express his regret at the US tariffs which levy a 25 per cent duty on steel from the European Union, Canada and Mexico.

The tariffs have provoked anger from governments and business leaders. Wilbur Ross, Mr Trump’s commerce secretary, also announced a 10 per cent tariff on aluminium.

The European Union has entered a legal challenge against China and the United States at the World Trade Organization. The bloc has also targeted China, indicating to Washington that it was not being singled out.

Cecilia Malmstrom, the EU’s