
02/03/2025
TIT FOR TAT: THE E.U. COULD ACCOUNCE TRADE TARIFFS ON THE U.S....
The European Union has insisted it would retaliate "firmly" if US President Donald Trump hit it with tariffs, as Brussels decried his sweeping measures against Canada, Mexico and China.
Brussels until now has said it hopes to avoid a trade conflict with Trump through negotiation.
But on Friday the US leader doubled down by saying he "absolutely" planned to target the EU in future, after first slapping levies on his North American neighbours and China.
"The European Union regrets the US decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China," said a spokesman for the European Commission.
"Tariffs create unnecessary economic disruption and drive inflation. They are hurtful to all sides."
The spokesman said "the EU would respond firmly to any trading partner that unfairly or arbitrarily imposes tariffs on EU goods".
"At this time, we are not aware of any additional tariffs being imposed on EU products," he added.
He said the 27-nation EU remained committed to low tariffs to "drive growth and economic stability within a strong, rules-based trading system".
And he reiterated the EU's commitment to its trade and investment relationship with the United States -- "the biggest in the world".
Trump has not hidden his enmity for the EU, accusing it of treating the United States "very, very unfairly" on trade.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the European Union must show its muscle if Trump makes good on his threat.
"If we are attacked in terms of trade, Europe -- as a true power -- will have to stand up for itself and therefore react," Macron said as he arrived for leaders' talks in Brussels.
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