U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with the European Union, declaring that trade negotiations between Washington and Brussels are "going nowhere." In a post on Truth Social dated Friday, May 23, Trump accused the EU of exploiting the United States and announced his intention to impose a sweeping 50% tariff on EU imports.
“The European Union, which was formed primarily to take advantage of the United States on trade, has been extremely difficult to work with,” Trump wrote. “Their massive trade barriers, VAT taxes, excessive corporate penalties, non-monetary restrictions, currency manipulation, and unjust lawsuits targeting American companies have created a trade deficit exceeding $250 billion annually — an unacceptable figure.”
He added, “Our discussions are going nowhere. Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% tariff on the European Union, effective June 1, 2025. This will not apply to products manufactured in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Trump's announcement is expected to send shockwaves across Europe, especially given its timing — just days after the EU presented a revised trade offer. The proposal, unveiled on May 21, included commitments to international labor rights, environmental protections, and a phased elimination of tariffs on non-sensitive agricultural goods — all aligning with longstanding U.S. concerns.
Despite these overtures, Trump has remained critical of the EU, previously labeling the bloc “nastier than China” in trade matters.
The EU, comprising 27 member states, is the United States’ second-largest trading partner after China. In recent years, U.S. exports to the EU have totaled over £259 billion, while imports have exceeded £407 billion.
Maros Šefčovič, the European Commission’s trade chief, is scheduled to speak with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Friday morning. Earlier this month, Šefčovič signaled the EU’s readiness for a breakdown in talks, stating, “We prefer negotiations, but not at any cost. We continue to prepare for every scenario.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. has already secured trade deals with the United Kingdom and China to minimize their exposure to Trump’s ongoing tariff threats.
Trump hits the Eu not only with 50% tariffs but in many other ways like 5% military budget, for NATo, pushing the burden of Ukraine onto the EU, pulling it into confrontation with China and the EU has started this confrontation even under Biden, letting the EU doing its own big faults like cutting off Russian oil and gas flow etc
ReplyDeleteIts not hard to how crooked Trump have bankrupted so many of his companies.
ReplyDeleteIt is not possible do deals with Tump because he is utterly untrustworthy
AnonymousMay 24, 2025 at 5:54 AM
DeleteIt’s not hard to see how crooked Trump managed to bankrupt so many of his companies.
It is not possible do deals with Tump because he is utterly untrustworthy