EU-USA trade conflict: Is the big tariff debacle imminent?

EU-USA trade conflict: Is the big tariff debacle imminent?

Negotiations on the trade conflict between the European Union (EU) and the USA remain unresolved. Although there is no breakthrough in the talks, some progress has been made after the US side put its demands in writing. This came in response to an offer from the European Commission to resolve the trade dispute, which includes, among other things, the extensive abolition of tariffs and additional imports of US goods worth 50 billion euros. Brussels has now gained more clarity about the wishes of the US administration. Loud South Germans However, other aspects also had to be taken into account.

US President Donald Trump has rejected EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal to abolish tariffs on industrial goods. He described the proposal as inadequate and called for more energy imports from the USA from the EU states. This shows the complexity of the negotiations and the differences between both sides. The EU had originally offered an agreement to mutually eliminate all tariffs on industrial goods, which was rejected by Trump as inappropriate. Von der Leyen stressed that the EU is ready to negotiate and that similar offers have already been made on several occasions, including in the automotive sector. ZDF reports that Germany's acting finance minister, Kukies, confirmed his willingness to negotiate with the USA and announced countermeasures.

The EU's reactions to US tariffs

In ongoing talks, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic proposed a free trade deal on industrial goods in February, but so far has not received any quick positive responses. He noted that exchanges with the US require time and effort, and that the US views tariffs as a corrective measure. The uncertainty resulting from the US government's tariff policy has already led to massive losses on stock exchanges in Asia, particularly in the Nikkei index in Tokyo.

In addition, the EU could theoretically take measures against US services and digital offerings. However, the 27 EU member states disagree on this issue. The acting Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck warned against individual national agreements with Trump and emphasized the need for unity among the EU states. Ireland's Trade Minister Simon Harris expressed concern that measures against US digital companies could represent an escalation, particularly as major companies such as Apple and Google are based in Ireland.

Countries like Italy and Spain are calling for a moderate response to US tariffs. In this context, Von der Leyen stated that all instruments will be put on the table to respond to the US tariffs, including possible measures against digital companies. The difficulties and lack of progress in the negotiations illustrate the complexity of the issue and the different interests at stake.