The European Commission has issued a strong warning, vowing to respond “firmly and immediately” to any unwarranted trade barriers after U.S. President Donald Trump declared plans to impose a hefty 25% tariff on imports from the EU.
Reacting to Trump’s announcement, an EU spokesperson, as quoted by Reuters, reaffirmed the bloc’s stance on fair trade principles.
“The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade, including when tariffs are used to challenge legal and non-discriminatory policies. The EU will always protect European businesses, workers, and consumers from unjustified tariffs,” the spokesperson emphasized in an emailed statement.
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Trump, known for his fiery rhetoric on trade, had earlier threatened the EU with the steep tariff, further accusing the 27-nation alliance of being “formed to screw the United States.”
He made this assertion during his first cabinet meeting on the 26th of February, 2025, where he confirmed that the decision was final.
“We have made a decision and we’ll be announcing it very soon. It’ll be 25%,” Trump declared.