Trump Demands EU Slap 100% Tariffs on Chinese and Indian Imports—Trade War Escalation Imminent
Former President Trump pushes the European Union toward aggressive trade measures, calling for full centenary tariffs on goods from Asia's manufacturing powerhouses.
Geopolitical Gambit
The proposal targets two of the world's largest export economies—a move that could reshape global supply chains overnight. No specific industries were named, but the broad-stroke approach signals a blanket offensive rather than surgical strikes.
Market Tremors Expected
Trade experts predict immediate disruptions across electronics, textiles, and industrial components if implemented. Supply chain pros are already running contingency scenarios—because nothing says 'stable markets' like arbitrary triple-digit tariffs.
Diplomatic Fallout
The unilateral demand bypasses traditional trade negotiation channels, putting EU leadership in a political vise between transatlantic relations and WTO commitments. Brussels now weighs economic retaliation against diplomatic collateral damage.
Because nothing stabilizes currencies like politicians playing chicken with $100 tariffs on critical imports—just ask any forex trader sweating over their morning coffee.
Trump escalates trade pressure on India and China
Trump is also pursuing open trade avenues. On Truth Social, he wrote that the U.S. and India are in ongoing discussions to resolve trade barriers. He added that he looked forward to speaking with Prime Minister Narendra Modi “in the coming weeks”.
As reported by Cryptopolitan last month, Trump raised U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. That move was directly tied to New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil. With his latest demand, he is taking the stakes a step further.
Trump has also adopted a tough stance toward China. At the start of this year, he sharply raised tariffs on Chinese imports only to unwind some after financial markets took a bad turn. Now, his fresh initiative shows he is prepared to try to place pressure on Beijing once more.
With the European Union’s sanctions chief, David O’Sullivan, in the lead, European Union officials are also considering secondary sanctions on Russian oil buyers as part of their response. Some EU countries remain importers of Russia’s energy products, and the decision is economically sensitive.
Trump also noted he intended to talk “this week or early next week” with Russian President Vladimir Putin. That remark raised speculation about whether he planned to mix pressure with direct talks to end the war.
Trump pushes Europe to hit Russia’s oil Trade hard and fast
Trump is urging Europe to move quickly and decisively. He advised U.S. and EU officials that Moscow could not be made to feel the pinch until they took strong, joint steps. His conclusion was straightforward: Russia relies on oil sales, and India and China are keeping those sales going.
In demanding 100 % tariffs, Trump is gambling that the price of doing business with Russia will become too high for New Delhi and Beijing. He wants to maintain tariffs until both countries reduce their oil imports from Moscow. American officials said the WHITE House is prepared to match the EU step for step.
The proposal is considered one of the most severe steps yet taken against any country connected to Russian energy. But it is also rife with major risks. Europe depends greatly on trade with China, and some states worry that a big confrontation would punch a hole in their economies. Trump’s advisers argue that the United States cannot achieve them to maximum effect without European support.
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