European leaders on Thursday strongly criticized new U.S. tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, warning that they could harm the world economy and spark a trade war. The European Union (EU) said it was prepared to respond with countermeasures but remained open to last-minute negotiations.
On Wednesday, President Trump announced a 20 percent tariff on European Union imports as part of sweeping charges that have raised fears of a global trade conflict. The U.S. had previously imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminum imports, as well as cars and auto parts.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the tariffs a “major blow to the world economy” during a visit to Uzbekistan. “I deeply regret this choice,” she said. “There seems to be no order in the disorder, no clear path through the complexity and chaos that is being created as all U.S. trading partners are hit.” However, she added that it was “not too late to address concerns through negotiations,” urging for a calm and rational response.
Germany expressed support for a negotiated solution. Economy Minister Robert Habeck stated that the EU is prepared to give a “balanced, clear, and determined response” if talks fail. In France, government spokeswoman Sophie Primas said the EU was “ready for a trade war” and planned to “attack online services” in response.
Although no longer an EU member, the United Kingdom also reacted to the tariffs. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told business leaders that while there would be an economic impact, the government would “fight for the best deal” for Britain and continue trade negotiations with the U.S. He stressed that “nobody wins in a trade war” and called for “pragmatism, cool and calm heads.”
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the new tariffs as “wrong” and emphasized that the EU would do all it can to work toward a deal with the United States to prevent a trade war that would “inevitably weaken the West in favor of other global actors.” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani planned to meet with EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic to discuss a response “based on a pragmatic approach, based on dialogue.”
Switzerland, also affected by the tariffs, reacted swiftly. President Karin Keller-Sutter said the government would quickly decide on the next steps, emphasizing that respect for international law and free trade were “fundamental.”
European industry groups criticized the U.S. move, calling it counterproductive. The German Automotive Industry Association warned that the tariffs would “only create losers” and urged the EU to act “with necessary force while continuing to signal its willingness to negotiate.” The Association of the German Chemical Industry called on the EU to “keep a cool head,” warning that “a spiral of escalation would only increase the damage.”
U.S. officials cautioned countries against retaliation. “Sit back, take it in,” a U.S. official told Fox News. “Because if you retaliate, there will be escalation.”
