Fin Min: We Want Corporate Tax Deal By End-Oct, Speaks On US Relations

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire speaking on a number of different topics:

• Says that G20 finance ministers are a milimetre away from reaching a deal on global corporate tax rates. Adds that the main topic of debate is the minimum base tax rate. Consensus for minimum rate generally around 15%. Says that a deal could be reached next week in Washington, D.C. or failing that at the G20 meeting in Rome at the end of the month.
• On energy price crisis in Europe, says that he told EU colleagues that the electricity price should not be entirely determined by the price of natural gas, with average production costs the main driver instead.
• Says he wants the end of any sign of a trade war between the EU and the US, and that tariffs should be removed on steel and aluminium products. Says that he is working effectively with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
• On foreign policy, Le Maire states that the EU should be as powerful and self-sufficient as the US or China without having to rely on either for technology. The drive for 'strategic autonomy' for the EU remains a major foreign policy objective of the Macron administration, although the French president has yet to convince all other EU leaders.