“This situation cannot last”: Europe increases its tone against Donald Trump and presents his plan of attack

Recall that since March, the United States has imposed customs duties of up to 25 % on European steel and aluminum, then extended to other products at the Donald Trump press conference of April 2 (“Liberation Day”), before being suspended. But a 10 % surcharge remains applied to a majority of European exports, in addition to steel and aluminum taxes.

“This asymmetrical situation cannot last. The United States maintains customs duties while the EU does not. We are preparing to react if it extends beyond 90 days“, warns the official. The commission therefore leaves the door open, but wants to be firm, faced with Donald Trump’s decisions.

The new list of potential taxes covers strategic sectors: 1.4 billion euros in food products, 500 million for seafood, but especially nearly 83 billion industrial goods, with 10.5 billion concerning aircraft, 10.3 billion driving parts and several billion euros in vehicles, among others. Boeing could also be affected in the future.

Trump treats Jerome Powell to “fool”

The choice of targeted products remains targeted: “We have voluntarily excluded from sectors like the Pharma, too sensitive“, Specifies the same source. Services (Google, Microsoft, etc.) are not affected at the moment by these possible taxes, specifies the civil servant, but it is not excluded to include them in the future.

“Currently, 379 billion euros in EU exports to the United States (70 % of EU exports to the United States) have been subject to customs duties (including customs duties) since the new American administration. These American customs rights increase costs for businesses, stifle growth, feed inflation and accentuate economic uncertainty “also recalls the Commission.

Another battle front

In parallel, the European Commission will also seize the World Trade Organization (WTO). A consultation request will be filed soon, the first step in a dispute settlement procedure. The European Commission denounces “A blatant violation of WTO rules“And hear”Reaffirm the importance of respecting international rules“.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, however maintains an open line with Washington: “We believe that it is possible to conclude good agreements for the benefit of consumers and companies on both sides of the Atlantic. At the same time, we continue to prepare for all eventualities. “