Former U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited new trade tensions by threatening to impose a 50 percent tariff on European Union imports starting June 1. The bold announcement came amid what Trump described as stalled negotiations between the U.S. and the EU, claiming that talks have “gone nowhere” despite months of efforts.
Addressing a campaign rally, Trump charged the EU with having unfair trade policies that hurt American businesses and agriculture. He stated that the proposed tariff would “level the playing field” and defend domestic industries from what he referred to as “one-sided globalism and economic manipulation.
The proposed tariff has triggered immediate alarm among European leaders and world markets, with experts cautioning about a revived trade war that will shake supply chains and drive up consumer costs. EU officials appealed for restraint, insisting they are prepared to return to the negotiating table to prevent counter-measures.
This new threat is part of increasing global uncertainty as key economies struggle with inflation, geopolitical tensions, and protectionist forces. If it goes into effect, the 50 percent tariff would have profound implications for U.S.-EU trade relations and global economic dynamics in the coming months.
