The European Union is gearing up to counter U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot declared Monday. The move signals a potential escalation in transatlantic trade tensions, with Barrot vowing the EU would \"respond\" decisively to protect its interests.
Trump announced the renewed tariff push Sunday, reviving a strategy last seen in 2018 when his administration imposed metal import taxes that sparked retaliatory measures on U.S. products like motorcycles and bourbon. Barrot emphasized Europe's readiness to act, stating: \"The [European] Commission is ready to pull the trigger. This time has come.\"
While the EU confirmed it hasn't received formal notification of the tariffs, it warned in a statement that it would defend European businesses and workers against \"unjustified measures.\" Analysts suggest sectors like agriculture, automotive, and tech could face targeted countermeasures.
The looming trade clash risks complicating global supply chains already strained by pandemic recovery efforts, particularly impacting startups and SMEs across G20 nations. With the U.S. and EU accounting for nearly 30% of world trade, young entrepreneurs and digital nomads operating in cross-border markets are bracing for ripple effects.
As trade diplomats scramble to contain the dispute, observers warn tit-for-tat measures could undermine climate cooperation and sustainable development goals – key priorities for globally connected millennials.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
