The European Union has warned it will “respond firmly” if the U.S. imposes tariffs on the bloc, marking a growing backlash against President Donald Trump’s global trade tactics.
Trump on Friday confirmed he would “absolutely” impose tariffs on the EU, with the European Commission and member states set to discuss the issue at a trade ministerial in Warsaw on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for the bloc stated that the 27-member bloc was not yet aware of any new tariffs being imposed on EU products.
The spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. and EU share the world’s largest trade and investment relationship.
The use of tariffs, the spokesman noted, is “hurtful on all sides,” and the EU expressed regret over Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.
“The EU would respond firmly to any trading partner that unfairly or arbitrarily imposes tariffs on EU goods,” the spokesperson said. “There is a lot at stake.”
Trump’s 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, along with 10% duties on products from China, are set to take effect Tuesday, impacting items from tequila to cars.
Both Canada and Mexico have vowed retaliation, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing that Ottawa will impose 25% tariffs on C$155 billion (US$106 billion) of U.S. goods.
Beijing has also vowed to impose similar countermeasures in response.
