The American president-elect, Donald Trump, did not wait to take office to shake up the international scene. In a message published Friday on his social network Truth Social, the Republican threatened the European Union with new customs taxes if it does not reduce its trade surplus with the United States. According to Trump, Europe must buy more American oil and gas to balance trade.
Donald Trump puts pressure on Brussels
« I told the European Union that it must make up its huge deficit with the United States by purchasing our oil and gas on a large scale. Otherwise, it’s CUSTOMS TARIFFS all the way!!! », he insisted. A declaration which revives the protectionist rhetoric of the former president, faithful to his campaign promises.
In 2022, European imports from the United States amounted to 351 billion dollars, compared to 553 billion for exports to America. This trade surplus of 202 billion in favor of Europe represents a major point of tension for Trump, who demands a rapid response.
Faced with these threats, the European Union is cautious. Brussels said it was ready to “ strengthen an already strong relationship » with Washington, while recalling that the trade balance between the two powers is more complex than it seems. If goods favor Europe, services lean in favor of the United States.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, had already raised the possibility of increasing imports of American liquefied natural gas (LNG) to replace Russian gas. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pointed out that Germany already imports 90% of its LNG from the United States.
A global warning
However, the structure of the European market could complicate the situation. Energy supply depends largely on private companies, which prioritize price and efficiency, rather than political decisions. So, even though the United States already supplies 47% of LNG imports and 17% of EU oil imports in 2024, the room for maneuver to meet Trump's demands remains limited.
In addition to the European Union, Donald Trump has also targeted other trading partners. It provides for a 25% tax on products imported from Canada and Mexico, as well as a 10% surcharge on Chinese goods. These announcements, made before his inauguration on January 20, mark an increase in international trade tensions.
However, European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill sought to calm the situation. “ The EU and the United States have deeply integrated economies […] We are ready to discuss our common interests in the energy sector “, he declared to CNBC.
With these first declarations, Donald Trump sets the tone for his future mandate, placing trade at the heart of his priorities. A strategy that could reshape transatlantic relations in the months to come.
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