EU formed to 'screw' US, says Trump; threatens 25% tariffs
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has announced plans to slap a 25% tariff on European Union (EU) imports. He made the announcement during his first cabinet meeting on Wednesday, saying a decision had been reached and would be disclosed "very soon." "It'll be 25 percent... And that'll be on cars and other things," he told reporters. Currently, the EU imposes a 10% tariff on US vehicle imports, which is four times higher than what America charges for European passenger cars.
Trade imbalance
Trump accuses EU of unfair trade practices
Trump justified his tariff proposal by arguing that the US is treated unfairly in trade by the EU. He claimed that while the US accepts "everything from them," the EU doesn't reciprocate for US cars and farm products. "Look, let's be honest, the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States...That's the purpose of it, and they've done a good job of it. But now I'm president."
EU reaction
European Commission responds to Trump's tariff threat
The European Commission was quick to respond to Trump's remarks, saying it would "react firmly and immediately" against unjustified trade barriers. A spokesperson stressed that the EU protects its businesses, workers, and consumers from such tariffs. "The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade, including when tariffs are used to challenge legal and non-discriminatory policies," the spokesperson said in a statement.
Security fears
Trump's tariffs on Mexico and Canada
Since taking office, he has raised tariffs by 10% on Chinese goods and taken steps to impose levies on other imports, including asking his team to develop recommendations for reciprocal tariffs for each country. On Monday, Trump said he anticipated 25% tariffs on products from Mexico and Canada to go into effect "on schedule." When asked about an update, he stated that the 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada would go into force on April 2.