Donald Trump makes new economic threats against the EU.
This happens in a post on Trumps own social media, Thruth Social, as he called EU one of the “most hostile and abusive” organizations in the world when it comes to taxes and tariffs.
“The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive tax and customs authorities in the world, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States."
It has now led to French Economy Minister Eric Lombard strongly criticizing the escalating trade tensions between the United States and the European Union, calling it an "idiotic war" following Donald Trump’s threats to impose 200% tariffs on French wines, champagne, and other alcoholic beverages.
“By doing this, the US is hurting itself,” Lombard said, according to digi24.ro.
The minister pointed to the cyclical nature of trade disputes, recalling a similar situation eight years ago when the US imposed 25% tariffs on European steel and aluminum, prompting retaliatory measures from the EU.
Now, with Trump returning to the White House, trade tensions have reignited, with the former president targeting both competitors and allies under the justification that the US has been treated unfairly in international trade agreements.
In response to the US tariffs on steel and aluminum that took effect this week, the European Union announced its own set of countermeasures, slapping duties on a range of American products, including bourbon, motorcycles, and boats.
French Trade Minister Veronique Louwagie hinted at further retaliatory measures, revealing that the EU has prepared a 90-page list of additional US products that could be subject to tariffs.
“It is known that Trump is a negotiator, and that his way of negotiating means first an increase in customs duties,” commented Lombard. “If we want to be able to negotiate with him, we must equip ourselves with equal weapons.”
Despite the intensifying tariff battle, Lombard urged dialogue, emphasizing the need for diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
He announced plans to travel to the US in the coming days for discussions with his American counterparts.
Meanwhile, Canada has formally challenged the US tariffs at the World Trade Organization (WTO), arguing that the 25% steel and aluminum duties imposed by Trump violate US obligations under international trade agreements.
