Washington (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Donald Trump has again threatened to slap tariffs on products made in the European Union. He accused the EU of unfair trade practices.
The 47th president of the US said his country was being treated “terribly,” claiming that European markets largely refused American exports. Speaking at the White House, he said he would “absolutely” raise tariffs on EU goods.
They don’t take our cars, they don’t take our farm products essentially, they don’t take almost anything,
he said.
President also claimed that the two entities have an enormous trade deficit and vowed to take “substantial” actions against the EU.
The levies will cover a 25% import tariff on goods originating from Canada and Mexico, plus a 10% penalty for imports from China. Trump indicated that these measures are necessary due to perceived unfair trade practices, particularly highlighting the EU’s value-added taxes and trade deficits with the U.S.
How does Trump justify tariffs on European imports?
After announcing a series of trade-related threats during his latest speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump stressed the requirement for American businesses to manufacture more domestically to sidestep levies, impending tariffs are just part of this larger strategy, which is actually aimed at revising trade deals with major trading partners.
How do Trump’s tariffs affect US-EU trade relations?
Before assuming office, Donald Trump made some claims about EU product tariffs and general trade policy. Throughout the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly slammed existing trade deals and promised to slap tariffs on countries he insisted were ripping off the United States. He targeted China in particular but also expressed dissatisfaction with trade relationships with the EU, meaning that he would renegotiate terms to favor American interests.
In March 2018, he publicly announced a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports, which later extended to the EU, Canada, and Mexico. He argued that these tariffs were necessary to shield America’s industries and jobs. The willingness of his administration to use tariffs as leverage in trade negotiations marked his approach.
