EU Ahead of 'Trump Tariffs' Says "Will Firmly Respond to Unfair Tariffs"

"Tariffs Are Harmful in Every Respect"
EU Warns of Firm Response to Trump's Tariff Decision

The European Union (EU) expressed concern over U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China, and others, warning that it will respond if tariffs are imposed on the EU as well.

On the 2nd (local time), according to Politico and others, a spokesperson for the European Commission stated that they "regret" President Trump's decision to impose tariffs.

The spokesperson said, "We are currently not aware of any additional tariffs being imposed on EU products," but added, "The EU will respond firmly to any trade partner that imposes unfair or arbitrary tariffs on EU goods." They continued, "The trade and investment relationship with the United States is the largest in the world. Much is at stake," adding, "Tariffs increase business costs and harm workers and consumers. Tariffs cause unnecessary economic disruption and trigger inflation. They are harmful in every respect."

President Trump decided the previous day to impose additional general tariffs of 25% on Canada and Mexico, and 10% on China. The tariffs will take full effect on the 4th. He also announced plans to impose tariffs on the EU.

While European countries expressed concern about the imposition of tariffs, they also declared their intention to respond if it materializes.

After meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, "It is important not to divide the world with numerous tariff barriers," adding, "The EU is a strong economic power and has its own response policy."

French Prime Minister Fran?ois Bayrou urged unity among EU member states in the French economic newspaper La Tribune. He also said, "We have cards to play against President Trump's America," mentioning France's helicopters and nuclear power plants.

Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament's International Trade Committee, pointed out that President Trump's tariffs violate international law and said, "We must now be prepared to defend our economic interests on a one-to-one basis."

Claes Knot, ECB policymaker and President of the Dutch Central Bank, predicted that President Trump's tariffs would lead to inflation and interest rate hikes in the U.S. and a weakening of the euro. He stated, "Trade wars harm everyone," and added, "Europe does not want to be pushed aside. We are also a strong trade bloc with 400 million consumers."