U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed plans to impose tariffs on European Union (EU) imports this week, rejecting the bloc's proposal to eliminate mutual industrial goods tariffs. The president demanded greater EU purchases of American oil and gas, vowing to enforce tariffs on cars and machinery unless compliance improves.
"They don't take our cars, they don't take our farm products," Trump told reporters during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who sought tariff reductions on Israeli goods. "We take everything from them." Citing a $208.7 billion U.S. trade deficit with the EU in 2023, Trump framed the tariffs as a permanent tool to address economic imbalances.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced $28 billion in EU countermeasures if U.S. tariffs proceed, calling the proposals "disproportionate." An EU spokesperson noted 47% of EU liquefied natural gas and 17% of oil imports already come from the U.S., emphasizing ongoing efforts to diversify energy sources away from Russia.
Global markets remain on edge as retaliatory measures threaten to deepen trade conflicts. Analysts warn the tariffs could raise prices for U.S. consumers and stall post-pandemic economic recovery efforts worldwide.
