The European Union has responded firmly after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 50% tariffs on all EU goods entering the United States. The warning comes just weeks before the proposed 1 June implementation date, intensifying fears of a transatlantic trade war.
EU calls for respect after Trump threatens 50% tariffs, with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic urging negotiations based on “mutual respect, not threats.” Following a call with US trade officials, Sefcovic confirmed the EU remains committed to securing a balanced trade deal.
“EU-US trade is unmatched and must be guided by mutual respect,” he said. “We stand ready to defend our interests.”
President Trump, frustrated by the pace of talks, posted on social media Friday that negotiations were “going nowhere.” He insisted that his plan to raise tariffs was final, unless significant EU investments were made in the US.
“If we didn’t do this, others would take advantage,” Trump told reporters. “We’ve set the deal.”
The EU exported more than $600 billion in goods to the US last year, while importing $370 billion in return. Trump has long criticized this imbalance and blamed EU policies on cars and agriculture for unfair trade practices.
European leaders are urging calm. Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin said, “Negotiations are the only sustainable path forward.” France’s Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin and Germany’s Economy Minister Katherina Reiche echoed the need for dialogue while warning of readiness to retaliate.
EU calls for respect after Trump threatens 50% tariffs, and markets have already responded negatively. The S&P 500 dropped 0.7% on Friday, while Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 fell more than 1.5%.
Trump’s previous tariff threats included a 20% tax on EU goods in April, temporarily reduced to 10% to allow time for talks. A 25% tariff on EU steel and aluminum remains in place, alongside new warnings targeting Apple and smartphone imports.
The EU has paused its own retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion worth of US goods, while also reviewing further measures on €95 billion in US imports. Officials stress they prefer de-escalation but will act if necessary.
Stephen Moore, a former Trump advisor, said individual deals with European countries might emerge. He also suggested Trump’s ultimate goal is “decoupling the West from Chinese influence.”
EU calls for respect after Trump threatens 50% tariffs, setting the stage for a tense showdown ahead of the summer deadline. With billions at stake, the coming weeks may determine the future of US-EU trade relations.
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