European Union officials have voiced strong opposition to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 50% tariff on European goods, warning that such a move could severely damage transatlantic trade relations.
Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he is “recommending a straight 50 percent Tariff on the EU, starting on June 1, 2025,” accusing the EU of “taking advantage of the United States on trade” and being “very difficult to deal with.”
European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic responded on social platform X, emphasizing that trade between the EU and the U.S. should be based on “mutual respect, not threats.” He stated, “The EU is fully engaged and committed to securing a deal that works for both. The European Commission remains ready to work in good faith.”
Bernd Lange, chairman of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, posted on Bluesky, indicating that EU legislators will visit Washington next week to address misconceptions about EU trade policy. “If Trump is truly seeking cooperation and negotiations, he will always find open doors in the EU. If he’s just looking for us to rubber-stamp his demands, he’s knocking on the wrong door,” Lange wrote.
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin described Trump’s announcement as “enormously disappointing,” warning that imposing such high tariffs would “grievously damage one of the world’s most dynamic trading relationships” and disrupt global markets.
French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin condemned the tariff threats during an interview with BFMTV, stating that such actions are “of no help during the negotiation period.” He reiterated the EU’s stance for de-escalation but warned that Brussels would take retaliatory measures if necessary to restore balance.
Katherina Reiche, Germany’s economy and energy minister, cautioned against the tariff proposal, stating, “Tariffs harm the United States and the EU in equal measure. Trade conflicts have no winners.”
The tariff threat comes amid stalled negotiations between the U.S. and the EU. Washington has been demanding unilateral concessions from Brussels to open up to U.S. businesses, while the EU seeks an agreement that offers mutual benefits.
