Dutch PM Sounds Alarm: ’US’ Looming EU Tariffs Threaten Trade Stability’
Trade tensions escalate as the Netherlands slams Washington's protectionist pivot.
---
Europe braces for economic fallout
The Dutch Prime Minister didn't mince words—calling the impending US tariffs 'worrying' amid fragile post-pandemic recovery. Comes just as EU markets were flirting with 3% growth projections.
---
Tech and agriculture sectors on high alert
Expect semiconductor and dairy exports to take first hits. Ironically, the same Wall Street banks lobbying for tariffs will probably short affected stocks by Friday.
---
Global trade chessboard in motion
Watch for retaliatory measures—Brussels has form for creative counterpunches. Meanwhile, crypto markets barely blinked; decentralized finance doesn't do tariffs.
EU leaders appeal for unity and dialogue
European leaders have quickly urged calm and unity. However, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says she is still open to talking and that the EU will stand up for its economic interests.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, said introducing 30% tariffs on EU exports would be “a lose-lose situation for everyone.” She said it could risk thousands of jobs in the United States and reduce trade between the two partners. The EU has always prioritized dialogue with the US and will always have a constructive approach to the transatlantic partnership.”
In a post on X, the French leader also said countermeasures could be employed if a deal couldn’t be reached by August.
She noted that they condemn the tariffs in the strongest possible way, as the President of the European Commission has done.
She added that when European unity and resolve are crucial, the Commission must show it has the political will to defend European interests by acting swiftly and using tools such as the anti-coercion instrument if no agreement is reached.
In this context, France stands alongside the European Commission in the discussions and ongoing negotiations aimed at reaching, by August 1, an agreement which is acceptable to all, indeed the kind of agreement between two major trading partners that are the European Union and the US, between interests and value chains shared.
Officials in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Ireland had all issued similar statements, warning that the tariffs could trigger a new phase of trade conflict with reverberations in markets worldwide.
European Union diplomats are pleading with the United States to come back to the table. They say that higher tariffs will harm consumers, hamper the economic recovery, and erode trust among allies.
US turns to tariffs to gain trade advantage
The 30% tariff announcement has shocked many, although some European officials think it could be a negotiating stance.
Brussels reports indicate that Washington uses tariffs as leverage to obtain better trading terms, particularly on technology, agriculture, and digital services.
Unnamed US officials that European media have quoted have suggested the tariffs could be lessened or removed if negotiations advance in the next few weeks.
However, it is unclear if President TRUMP is willing to lessen the tariff burden as August 1 approaches faster.
Cryptopolitan Academy: Coming Soon - A New Way to Earn Passive Income with DeFi in 2025. Learn More
