Trump plans massive tariffs on EU goods: Trade war threatens!

Trump plans massive tariffs on EU goods: Trade war threatens!

Europa - International trade faces a new challenge, since US President Donald Trump plans to raise 50 percent punitive tariffs on all goods from the European Union (EU) from June 1, 2025. This announcement comes in the middle of existing tensions between the USA and the EU, which has implemented its own countermeasures. On March 12, 2025, Trump had introduced new tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminum imports from the EU, which caused the EU to announce against tariffs within an hour, which should come into force from April 1, 2025.

The EU measures include extracelle to a variety of American products, including Bourbon Whiskey, video game consoles and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, in which the customs loss limits can be up to 50%. Agricultural products such as poultry, beef and seafood are also affected. The customs rate limit for these categories could reach up to 25%.

Economic effects and perspectives

Experts already warn of the possible consequences of this customs policy. The EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned the public about rising prices, problems in the supply chains and possible job losses. Nevertheless, the Institute for the World Economy (IFW) estimates that the tariffs will only have a minimal influence on the European economy, with a forecast decline in GDP by only 0.02%. In terms of jeans imports from the USA to Germany, the influence is low, since the import value in 2024 was only around 3 million euros, which corresponds to 0.1% of all jeans imports.

In view of the confused situation, the outbreak of a trade war is possible, depending on Trump's further decisions, especially with regard to planned tariffs on cars and other goods from the EU. However, the EU is ready to negotiate and could consider a deal with the expansion of American exports of LPG (LNG) to defuse the tensions.

International reactions to Trump's customs plans show a differentiated image. While Canada also announced tariffs on US products worth $ 29.8 billion, and Great Britain, Japan and Australia have so far not taken any countermeasures, China has emphasized to take all the necessary measures to protect its own preferences. The Asian state criticizes the US tariffs as violations of WTO rules.

The trade landscape remains tense while the world looks at developments between the USA and the EU. It will have to be shown whether an agreement can be reached to what extent both sides are willing to move away from their positions.

For further details on the planned punitive tariffs and their effects on international trade, visitBild.deandTagesschau.de.