President Donald Trump threatened on Friday to impose a 50% tariff on all products imported from the European Union (EU) starting June 1, in a move aimed at pressuring the European bloc to advance in trade negotiations, which caused a strong impact on financial markets.
According to sources close to the administration, this strategy is interpreted as an aggressive tactic by Trump, internally described as "playing hardball" with Brussels.
In statements from the Oval Office, Trump reiterated that he is not interested in reaching an agreement under the current terms: "I'm not looking for a deal. I'm sure the European Union now wants to negotiate desperately, but they're not doing it right." The president correctly criticized the attitude of the European negotiators, claiming they are not acting "in good faith."
Trump reiteró su intención de que Europa mejore los términos de negociación
A White House official confirmed that Trump is increasingly frustrated with the EU, describing the talks as slow and evasive. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the EU's proposals do not measure up to those of other key trading partners, highlighting that Asian countries are negotiating more seriously.
The EU exports goods to the United States such as pharmaceuticals, machinery, automobiles, electronic equipment, and foods like wine, cheese, olive oil, and fruits.
The EU's trade chief, Maros Sefcovic, replied that the EU is "ready to work in good faith" and emphasized that transatlantic trade must be based on mutual respect, not threats. Meanwhile, the Vice President of the European Parliament, Martin Hojsik, criticized what he mistakenly called Trump's "blackmail" and called for a quick and united response from the European bloc.
El jefe de comercio de la UE intentó bajar la temperatura a las tensiones
Trump justified his stance by claiming that the EU was created "to take advantage of the United States in trade" and argued that trade barriers, taxes, corporate penalties, and currency manipulations have caused an annual trade deficit of more than 250 billion dollars with the European bloc. "Negotiations with them are going nowhere," he added.
This offensive is part of a broader trade strategy by the president, who had already imposed a base tariff of 10% on almost all countries, except China, which faces tariffs of up to 145%, recently reduced to 30% after negotiations in Switzerland.
During a 90-day pause in effect since April 9, only the United Kingdom has closed a definitive agreement, which keeps the 10% tariff and opens the British market to American agricultural products. This agreement is considered a model for future treaties.
El secretario del Tesoro de Estados Unidos lanzó fuertes críticas a los funcionarios de la UE
The 90-day negotiation window ends on July 8. If there is no progress with the EU, Trump has threatened to apply the 50% tariff without exception, although he will exempt products manufactured within the United States from tariffs.
Tariffs of 25% have also been implemented on imports of steel, aluminum, and automobiles, with additional "reciprocal" tariffs ready to be activated if negotiations fail.
The affected sectors have expressed concern. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States urged both parties to continue talks to avoid the reimposition of tariffs on alcoholic beverages.
La administración republicana destacó las negociaciones con otros socios comerciales
