EU vows firm response to potential US trade tariffs

The European Union has warned it will "respond firmly" if the United States imposes new tariffs on the bloc, marking another flashpoint in the growing global discontent with President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies.

On January 31, President Trump confirmed that he "absolutely" intends to levy tariffs on EU goods, a move that could further strain the transatlantic economic relationship. In response, the European Commission announced plans to convene with member states during a trade ministerial in Warsaw on February 4 to deliberate on potential countermeasures, Caliber.Az reports via Bloomberg.

A spokesperson for the European Commission emphasized that the EU is not currently aware of specific additional tariffs being imposed on its products but stressed the significance of the transatlantic trade and investment relationship—the largest in the world.

"The use of tariffs is hurtful on all sides," the spokesperson stated, expressing regret over Trump's earlier decisions to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. "The EU would respond firmly to any trading partner that unfairly or arbitrarily imposes tariffs on EU goods. There is a lot at stake."

Trump’s newly announced 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, along with 10% duties on Chinese products, are set to take effect on Tuesday, targeting a wide range of items from tequila to automobiles. In swift retaliation, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Ottawa would impose 25% tariffs on approximately C$155 billion ($106 billion) worth of US goods. Similarly, Beijing has pledged to enact corresponding countermeasures.

These escalating trade tensions come against the backdrop of already strained relations between the EU and the Trump administration, exacerbated by the president's controversial proposal to purchase Greenland—an offer firmly rejected by Denmark. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has since sought to rally EU allies to present a united front against Trump's assertive diplomatic and economic manoeuvres.

By Khagan Isayev