US President Donald Trump’s unexpected announcement of sweeping 30 per cent tariffs on European Union (EU) exports has ignited a political and economic firestorm across Europe, with calls for a united and forceful EU response gaining momentum.
The proposed tariffs, set to take effect on August 1, target a broad range of EU imports and were defended by Trump as a correction of what he called “far from reciprocal” trade relations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the tariffs would “disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers, and patients on both sides of the Atlantic.” She added that the EU would pursue negotiations but “will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”
Calls For Swift Retaliation
Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, said the move was “a slap in the face” after weeks of talks and called on the EU to begin retaliatory measures as early as Monday.
European Council President Antonio Costa echoed these concerns, warning the tariffs would fuel inflation and uncertainty while stalling growth. “The EU remains firm, united and ready to protect our interests,” he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the move and urged the EU to fast-track “credible countermeasures”. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it a “unilateral escalation,” warning that US consumers would ultimately bear the cost.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala called for “unity and determination” in defending the EU’s economic interests.
Industry And Markets Raise Alarm
European industries, particularly those in the automotive sector, are already experiencing a negative impact. Slovakia reported a drop in auto orders for Q3, while the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) estimated that tariff-related costs had already reached billions of euros.
“It is regrettable that there is a threat of a further escalation of the trade conflict,” said VDA President Hildegard Mueller, highlighting the hit to both manufacturers and suppliers.
The BDI, Germany’s leading industry group, called the move “an alarm signal” and warned it could derail economic recovery and harm competitiveness on both sides of the Atlantic.
Italian industry leaders also joined the backlash. Emanuele Orsini, President of Confindustria, labeled the US strategy “unpleasant,” while Federalimentare President Paolo Mascarino said the tariffs “exceed any threshold of tolerability.”
Isabel Schnabel, a board member of the European Central Bank, noted that the tariffs could lead to medium-term inflation and supply chain disruptions, particularly for closely integrated sectors such as the automotive and food processing industries.
Rising Economic Confrontation
Economists say the risk of a broader economic confrontation between the EU and the US is rising.
Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, said the move was “provocative” and warned of significant ramifications for global trade dynamics.
As the August 1 deadline approaches, the EU faces mounting pressure to act decisively while continuing to pursue diplomatic solutions to avoid a full-scale trade war.
(With input from IANS)
