By Olivia Bugault

French Economic Minister Bruno Le Maire said that U.S sanctions would be a political and economic error in response to the World Trade Organization ruling that the U.S. could levy tariffs on $7.5 billion of exports from the European Union.

The U.S. and the E.U. should work together on a settlement, Mr. Le Maire said in a WhatsApp message to the press, noting that the E.U. will also be able to impose sanctions on the U.S. next year.

"We want to de-escalate tensions," Mr. Le Maire said, but added that along with their European partners, they will be ready to firmly answer to the potential tariffs.

The WTO's decision on Wednesday concludes a 15-year battle between Airbus SE (AIR.FR) and Boeing Co. (BA) over support programs for the aircraft makers. The WTO will rule on a separate E.U. case against U.S. subsidies to Boeing in the first half of next year.

Write to at olivia.bugault@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 02, 2019 12:25 ET (16:25 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2019 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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