Trump threatens tariff increases – what does that mean for the EU?

Trump threatens tariff increases – what does that mean for the EU?

Developments surrounding US President Donald Trump's customs policy are currently causing a lot of excitement in the global economy. Today is June 27, 2025, and the countdown is on: the tariff pause that Trump ordered 90 days ago is about to expire. As Rosenheim24 reports, the global economy is facing major challenges, especially as negotiations between the US and the EU come to a head.

On July 9th, European trading partners will face new punitive tariffs, which Trump had originally announced for June. People and companies are anxiously awaiting the decisions because the new tariffs could be up to 50 percent. This could have far-reaching consequences, especially for the German economy. In 2023, Germany exported goods worth an impressive 157.9 billion euros to the US, accounting for almost 10 percent of total exports. Each tariff increases pressure on entrepreneurs, who have to prepare for rapidly rising prices and possible inflation.

The implications for Europe

The high tariffs could cause prices to rise for U.S. consumers. These developments are important for more than just the U.S. economy. European companies that rely on the US market also have to brace themselves. Council of Economic Advisors Chairman Stephen Miran warns that many countries unwilling to negotiate could face higher tariffs. This is happening in the middle of a trade war that affects not only the EU, but also China, as Trump is also threatening higher tariffs here, as ZDF today makes clear.

With his “America First” policy, Trump's main goal is to encourage US consumers to buy domestic products and to reduce the US's sometimes chronic trade deficits, which exceeded $773 billion last year. What this means for U.S. companies importing goods from abroad is that they will pay the tariffs, but ultimately the costs will be passed on to consumers. This could increase the pressure on the Federal Reserve, which recently lowered the key interest rate to between 4.50 and 4.75 percent.

What can companies expect?

Companies are under pressure to develop new strategies and possibly explore alternative markets. Financial markets are already reacting with concern to Trump's threats. Investors see the upcoming uncertainties surrounding trade policies as risks, but can also see opportunities in less affected industries. However, analysts warn against carelessly ignoring market volatility as it could provide potential buying opportunities, as [Kapitalcheck](https:// Kapitalcheck.de/2025/05/24/aktuelle-entwicklung-im-usa-eu-zollkrieg-drohende-zoelle-und-ihre-auseffekten/) explains.

Meanwhile, the euro has lost value against the dollar and is currently just under $1.05. Experts advise preparing for a longer trade conflict, because if Trump actually returns to the White House, significantly higher tariffs are expected on Mexico, Canada and China, which could further shake the entire trade landscape.

The coming weeks will remain exciting - the world is watching Trump and his customs policy, which is already causing a lot of confusion and uncertainty. In the economy, everyone agrees: There is a lot going on that will not go without consequences.