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| During his electoral campaign, Donald Trump had already threatened Europeans to tax their exports to America at the rate of 10%. |
| Photo : Reuters/VNA/CVN |
“I told the European Union that it must make up its huge deficit with the United States by buying our oil and gas on a large scale“wrote the Republican billionaire in a message on his social network Truth.
“Otherwise, it’s CUSTOMS TARIFFS all the way! ! !“, threatened Donald Trump.
In his comment, Mr. Trump seems instead to refer to the United States' trade deficit with the EU.
Imports of goods from the EU amounted to USD 553.3 billion in 2022, while US exports to the Twenty-Seven amounted to USD 350.8 billion, according to US figures .
The European Union reacted on Friday December 20 by saying it was ready to consider “ways to strengthen an already strong relationship, including discussing our shared interests in the energy sector” with Donald Trump, according to a spokesperson for the European Commission.
“Substantial”
The EU also emphasizes that the entire trade balance must be taken into account.
The EU certainly has a trade surplus.substantial“in terms of goods, but the United States also has a surplus”substantial“with regard to trade in services.”This is not always taken into account in the type of posts you are referring to“, said this spokesperson, when asked about the message published by Mr. Trump on his social network.
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen had already raised at the beginning of November the possibility that the United States would supply more liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the EU to replace Russian gas.
Donald Trump, who takes office in January, has threatened to impose harsh tariffs on U.S. trading partners including Canada, Mexico and China, which could impact the global economy.
On December 6, the EU concluded a vast trade agreement with four South American Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) aimed at creating a free trade zone for 700 million consumers.
Mme von der Leyen then assured that the agreement would create commercial bridges when “strong winds blow in the opposite direction, towards isolation and fragmentation“, a comment seen as an allusion to Donald Trump's threats to increase tariffs.
The US president-elect's tariff threats could, analysts say, be bragging or leverage for future trade negotiations when he takes office.
But he kept insisting that customs duties “correctly used“would be positive for the American economy.”Our country is currently losing to everyone“he said earlier this week.”Customs taxes will make our country rich“.
AFP/VNA/CVN
