As trade tensions heat up, Germany's finance minister Lars Klingbeil delivered a stark warning to Brussels: the EU must be ready to hit back if talks with the United States fall through.
On Saturday, President Donald Trump threatened to slap a 30% tariff on imports from the EU and Mexico starting August 1, escalating a dispute that has seen previous duties suspended and revived in quick succession. After imposing a 20% levy on EU goods in April—later rolled back to a 10% baseline for 90 days—the White House pushed the negotiation deadline forward last week.
Crunch Time for EU-U.S. Talks
Klingbeil, who also serves as vice chancellor, told Sueddeutsche Zeitung that Europe needs 'decisive countermeasures' to safeguard jobs and companies if a fair deal can't be struck. 'Nobody needs new threats or provocations now,' he said, warning that American exporters and consumers could suffer from higher prices and inflation too.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed a desire to keep diplomacy alive, extending the suspension of EU counter-tariffs until early August while quietly preparing for action. 'We remain fully prepared,' she told reporters, underlining Europe's readiness to respond.
Unity and Stakes
Inside the European Parliament, trade committee head Bernd Lange urged immediate countermeasures, calling Trump's tactics 'unprecedented.' Yet back in Berlin, CDU/CSU deputy leader Juergen Hardt voiced optimism: 'I'm betting that at least a partial agreement and a further postponement will be reached before August 1.'
With roughly one month left, the EU faces a high-stakes balancing act: pushing for a negotiated settlement while signaling that its unity and economic resilience won't be underestimated. The outcome will shape not only transatlantic trade but also how global markets navigate the next wave of protectionism.
Will Europe and the U.S. find common ground, or are we headed toward a tariff tipping point? Stay tuned as negotiations enter their final stretch.
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German finance minister: EU must be ready to counter U.S. tariff hike
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