Brussels: The trade conflict between the United States and Europe has intensified following US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to increase customs duties on European goods. European leaders fear that these measures could alter global trade rules and reshape economic alliances.
According to Yemen News Agency, President Trump announced a significant increase in customs duties, ranging between 10% and 20%, on European imports. This move comes shortly after similar tariffs were imposed on goods from China, Mexico, and Canada. European officials warn that these tariffs could cost the continent up to 1% of its GDP. Trump has criticized the European Union for not purchasing American cars or agricultural products, asserting that the US buys extensively from Europe, fueling the notion of an impending trade war.
European Union President Ursula von der Leyen has labeled the US tariffs as “unjustified” and pledged to respond with “firm and proportionate countermeasures.” She emphasized the EU’s commitment to p
rotecting its economic interests and hinted at strengthening ties with China to balance international relations.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed these sentiments, stressing that Europe has been diversifying its trading partners for years and that this process will accelerate in light of the new US tariffs. He recalled previous tariffs imposed during Trump’s earlier term and assured that Europe is prepared to respond decisively.
Additionally, Aurore Lalucque, head of the European Parliament’s Economic Affairs Committee, suggested imposing taxes on major American tech companies like Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft as a strategic countermeasure.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked that should the US leave Europe with no choice, the EU would respond collectively, warning that trade wars ultimately harm both parties’ prosperity.
Bernd Lange, head of the European Parliament’s Trade Committee, revealed that Brussels is better prepared for a trade conflict this time, having estab
lished a working group to address potential US tariffs. There is also a new regulation to quickly impose countermeasures, including patent suspensions and exclusion from public contracts.
The Financial Times reported that the EU plans to restrict imports of food products not meeting its standards, aligning with Trump’s trade policy of reciprocity. The European Commission is expected to review stricter import restrictions, potentially targeting American crops like soybeans treated with pesticides banned in Europe.
Experts believe Trump’s unilateral trade policies could backfire, causing substantial harm to the US economy if Europe enacts retaliatory measures against American exports. They assert that the European response will be robust and calculated, challenging the current US administration’s approach to international trade.