The European Commission has called for mutual respect in trade negotiations after former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed imposing 50% tariffs on EU goods, escalating tensions in transatlantic economic relations. EU Trade Chief Maros Sefcovic emphasized the bloc’s commitment to balanced solutions during discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Trump announced the tariff plan via his Truth Social platform, stating talks with the EU were "going nowhere" and unilaterally setting the levy to take effect June 1. "I’m not looking for a deal, we’ve set the deal, it’s at 50 percent," he later told reporters in the Oval Office.
Analysts warn such measures could disrupt global supply chains and inflate costs for businesses and consumers. The EU’s measured response reflects efforts to stabilize markets while addressing concerns of European exporters. As trade dynamics shift, investors and policymakers across Asia are monitoring potential ripple effects on international commerce.
