U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs on the EU, escalating trade tensions as Canada, Mexico, and China face new levies.
U.S. President
Donald Trump has confirmed his intention to impose tariffs on European Union (EU) goods, escalating tensions with the bloc.
Speaking in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump declared, 'Absolutely, absolutely' when asked if tariffs would be levied, reiterating his long-standing criticism of the EU. While specific details on the goods targeted remain unclear, the president vowed to take 'substantial' action.
The EU, which exported $576.3 billion in goods to the U.S. in 2023, making it America’s second-largest trading partner, has expressed readiness to retaliate should tariffs be imposed.
This marks a significant escalation in U.S.-EU trade relations, which have already been strained since Trump’s first term.
During that period, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on steel and 10% tariffs on aluminum imports from the EU, Canada, and Mexico, leading to retaliatory tariffs from the bloc on American goods.
Trump’s tariff announcements are not limited to the EU. He also confirmed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, alongside a 10% levy on imports from China.
These moves are set to go into effect on Saturday, further intensifying global trade tensions.
The European Commission has indicated it is prepared to retaliate, reflecting the ongoing challenges in U.S.-EU relations.
U.S. President Trump’s use of tariffs as a bargaining tool continues to disrupt global trade, with significant implications for American farmers, who were affected by similar actions against China during his last administration.
As the U.S. pursues more trade confrontations, the response from the EU and other trade partners remains to be seen.