Trump Slams EU and Vows 25% Tariffs on European Exports
US President Donald Trump sharply criticized the European Union on Wednesday, accusing the bloc of exploiting the United States and announcing plans to impose 25% tariffs on EU exports “very soon.” Trump claimed the EU was designed to take advantage of the US and cited unfair trade practices, including restrictions on American cars and farm products.
Speaking at his first Cabinet meeting since taking office, he declared, “They’ve really taken advantage of us,” adding that the US runs a trade deficit with the EU of around $300 billion.
The announcement comes after Trump’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer scheduled to visit on Thursday. The EU is the US’s third-largest trading partner, with American exports to the bloc reaching $350.8 billion in 2022, while imports stood at $553.3 billion. However, the US maintains a $70 billion surplus in service trade and receives $210 billion more in foreign direct investment from Europe than it sends.
Trump signed an executive order on February 13 mandating “reciprocal tariffs” on nations imposing higher import duties on American goods. He specifically criticized VAT and consumption taxes imposed by the UK and EU, arguing that they disadvantage US exports. The proposed tariffs, which will cover cars and other sectors, signal a major escalation in trade tensions between Washington and Brussels.
