World leaders respond to latest Trump tariff threats against the EU and Mexico
"Imposing 30% tariffs on EU exports would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic," Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said in a statement. "The EU has consistently prioritized a negotiated solution with the U.S., reflecting our commitment to dialogue, stability, and a constructive transatlantic partnership."
Some leaders were more critical of Trump's latest move. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said it's "concerning and not the way forward" in a post on X. Pedro Sánchez, prime minister of Spain, also took to X, calling the duties "unjustified." Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson noted that the EU "is prepared to respond with tough countermeasures if necessary," while emphasizing that it would be best to avoid such a move.
On Saturday morning, Trump announced the 30% tariff rates in letters to von der Leyen and Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum, posted on his Truth Social account. The U.S. president warned that if the EU or Mexico retaliate with higher tariffs, "then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added on to the 30% that we charge."
Trump also said there would not be tariffs on goods from Europe "or companies within the EU" that build or manufacture products in the U.S. This week, Trump sent similar letters to 23 other U.S. trading partners, including Canada, Japan and Brazil, setting blanket tariff rates ranging from 20% up to 50%.
Here's how European leaders have reacted to the latest salvo in Trump's trade skirmish:
Von der Leyen's statement emphasized the EU's commitment to dialogue and stability:
The Italian government said in a statement:
The Dutch Prime Minister said in an X post:
Kristersson said on X that the EU would be ready to impose countermeasures, but emphasized the need to avoid that.
The French President echoed the possibility of employing countermeasures if no agreement is reached by August, in a post on X.
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