EU Prepares Strong Response to Trump’s Tariff Threat Amid Trade Tensions

German politicians and business leaders are pushing back against President Donald Trump's threat to impose 30% tariffs on EU imports, set to take effect August 1. Lars Klingbeil, a prominent German official, emphasized the need for a "fair agreement" with the US, warning that Europe WOULD take strong actions to protect jobs and businesses if negotiations fail.

Germany, Europe's largest economy, stands to lose significantly as a major exporter to the US, particularly in vehicles, machinery, and pharmaceuticals. The country exported €161 billion ($188 billion) worth of goods to the US in 2024, with a trade surplus nearing €70 billion.

Klingbeil's remarks, made in an interview with Sueddeutsche Zeitung, underscore the growing tension between the EU and the US. While the offer for cooperation remains open, he cautioned that Trump's tariff policy risks creating economic losers on both sides of the Atlantic.