EU calls for respect after Trump threatens 50% tariffs

Photo: Collected

The European Union has urged mutual respect in trade relations after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on all EU goods entering the United States.

Following a call with US trade officials, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said, “The EU is fully engaged and committed to securing a deal that benefits both sides.”

He added, “EU-US trade is unmatched and must be guided by mutual respect, not threats. We stand ready to defend our interests.”

Earlier on Friday, Trump expressed frustration over slow progress in trade talks with the EU and announced plans to raise tariffs starting June 1.

On social media, he stated, “Our discussions with [the EU] are going nowhere,” but clarified there would be no tariffs on products built or manufactured in the US.

“I’m not looking for a deal — we’ve set the deal,” Trump told reporters, though he suggested he might delay tariffs if a major European company makes a significant investment in the US.

The EU is one of the largest trading partners of the US, exporting over $600 billion in goods and importing $370 billion last year.

European leaders warned that higher tariffs would harm both sides. Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin said, “We do not need to go down this road. Negotiations are the best and only sustainable way forward.”

France’s Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin called for de-escalation but added, “We are ready to respond if necessary.”

German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche urged the bloc to “do everything” to reach an agreement with the US.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof supported the EU’s trade strategy, noting that tariffs have fluctuated during past talks with the US.