Newsroom
The European Union says it tried to stop a trade war before it started, offering Donald Trump a clean-slate deal to scrap tariffs on cars and a bunch of industrial goods. But the U.S. didn’t bite. Now the EU is done waiting.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič revealed that Brussels had pitched a “zero-for-zero” deal weeks before Trump’s tariffs kicked in. The idea was simple: both sides drop tariffs on cars, machinery, rubber, pharmaceuticals, and similar goods. According to Šefčovič, the offer is still on the table, but Europe is getting tired of waiting.
A vote is expected on Wednesday for the first round of countermeasures targeting iconic American products like Harley-Davidson motorcycles, orange juice, and jeans, up to €26 billion worth.
“We prefer negotiations, but we won’t wait endlessly,” he said, warning that the EU is gearing up to hit back if things don’t move forward soon.
Trump doesn’t seem interested. At a press conference, he brushed off the zero-tariff offer and accused the EU of treating the U.S. unfairly. He also warned that Europe would need to buy American energy, boasting that the U.S. could “knock off $350 billion in one week.”
In response, EU countries are lining up a set of retaliatory tariffs. A vote is expected on Wednesday for the first round of countermeasures targeting iconic American products like Harley-Davidson motorcycles, orange juice, and jeans, potentially up to €26 billion worth.
Interestingly, bourbon whiskey might get a pass. France and Ireland are reportedly pushing to remove it from the list, fearing economic blowback, especially after Trump threatened a 200% tax on French wine and champagne. But Germany’s economy minister wasn’t thrilled about any exemptions. “We need to act clearly and decisively,” he said. “America is the one in a weaker position.”
Italy is taking a more cautious approach. Deputy PM Antonio Tajani suggested delaying the EU’s response until the end of April to give talks another shot. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is said to be planning a visit to Washington to try and persuade Trump to reduce the 20% tariff he’s imposed on EU goods.
Despite the behind-the-scenes wrangling, Šefčovič says the EU will move forward with its response by April 15. It may not hit the full €26 billion in goods, but the message is the same: Europe tried to talk. Now it's ready to act.
The EU is also debating whether to target U.S. tech giants. France is pushing for a tougher stance using the bloc’s anti-coercion laws, while Ireland is warning against overreacting. Šefčovič made it clear: this isn’t about tit-for-tat. But Europe won’t just sit on its hands either.
Trump’s tariffs are now affecting €382 billion worth of EU exports. Global stock markets have already taken a hit. Germany’s outgoing economy minister called Trump’s trade policy “ridiculous” and said even Elon Musk’s recent comments about free trade were more about self-preservation than policy.
*Source: The Guardian
