Customs crisis with Trump: Europe fights against trade war and uncertainty!

Customs crisis with Trump: Europe fights against trade war and uncertainty!

During a week when the Bundestag is not in session, international political developments are followed particularly closely. The focus is on US customs policy under President Donald Trump, which is causing turbulence on global markets through various announcements and threats. These uncertainties not only affect the industry, but also consumers in Europe and beyond. SPD Munich reports that Trump may be underestimating the interdependence of markets, as the EU is a significant market for US goods.

The published data shows that punitive tariffs are damaging not only the European market, but also the US economy. There are strong calls for de-escalation from Berlin and Brussels in order to avoid a further escalation of customs conflicts. An important demand is to reduce tariffs or conclude a free trade agreement with the USA. The Federal Government emphasizes the need to act unitedly and decisively and to strengthen the domestic economy.

Global impact of customs policy

Trump's tariff policies are already having a significant impact on global stock markets. The automotive, steel and aluminum sectors in particular are severely affected. Investors are concerned about the development of the global economy and risk appetite in the markets, reflecting reports from Capital is returned. The president's policies aim to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce trade deficits, but the strategy has also led to rising uncertainty.

Trump took office on January 20, 2025 and announced various tariffs shortly after taking office. This led to increased trade barriers, such as tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, which were increased to 25% from March 2025. A key issue is the tariffs on cars not made in the US, which were announced on March 26, 2025 and sent shockwaves through the automotive industry. Trump supports the use of reciprocal tariffs against more than 180 countries, which significantly strains global trade relations.

Reactions and outlook

The EU has announced tariffs on 26 billion euros worth of US goods in response to the new US tariffs and is calling for cooperation to avoid a trade war. The EU Trade Committee estimates the damage caused by the tariffs to be in the high double-digit billion range. These trade conflicts could lead to companies relocating their operations, which could disrupt global supply chains and lead to inflationary trends.

At the same time, the federal government has decided on massive investment programs to stabilize its own economy. The investment volume in the federal government is to be increased from 75 to 110 billion euros. The coalition sees a challenge in the subdued growth forecasts, which are also influenced by US tariff policy, Russian aggression in Ukraine and increased energy prices.