Trump's bold 50% EU tariff proposal risks new trade tensions
“I'm not looking for a deal. I mean, we've set the deal. It's 50%. Again, when they build their plant here, there's no tariffs,” said U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday on social media that he supports imposing a 50 percent tariff on imports from the European Union, effective June 1, 2025. He believes that trade negotiations with Brussels are at a standstill.
Trump on tariffs on the EU
"The European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on TRADE, has been very difficult to deal with," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. "Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025. There is no Tariff if the product is built or manufactured in the United States," he added.
Some negotiate behind closed doors, others more in front of the cameras - this is how U.S. President Donald Trump's announced 50 percent tariffs on the EU was commented on by Deputy Minister of Development Michał Baranowski. - To the best of my knowledge, negotiations with the USA continue to progress - said a representative of the Polish presidency.
When asked about this matter late Friday, Trump reiterated that he is not seeking an agreement.
“I'm not looking for a deal. I mean, we've set the deal. It's 50%. Again, when they build their plant here, there's no tariffs,” said U.S. President Donald Trump.
Is a new trade war coming?
In March, the USA imposed a 25 percent tariff on cars, steel, and aluminum imported from the EU, and in April, applied a 20 percent tariff on the remaining imports from the Community. Later, Trump announced the suspension of increased tariffs for 90 days, until July 8. During this time, negotiations on tariffs are expected to take place, with tariffs set at 10 percent.
In response to the USA's decision, the European Union halted plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on some American imports and proposed bilateral zero tariffs on all industrial goods, reminded the Reuters agency.
