Trump's tariffs: Europe in the Zwickmühle at the trade war!

Trump's tariffs: Europe in the Zwickmühle at the trade war!

Sachsen, Deutschland - On April 18, 2025, transatlantic relationships have come into focus again after the American President Donald Trump has entered into discussions with several European heads of government. Leading politicians such as the British Prime Minister Keir Strandmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have tried to convince Trump in order to secure the support of Ukraine and put an end to the existing trade conflicts. Despite intensive efforts, however, the conversations remained without tangible results.

Meloni, who appeared as an intermediary, tried to loosen the fronts in the trade war. However, she was not responsible for serious negotiations because they are responsible for the European Commission. Trump expressed the possibility of a trade agreement, but shortly afterwards it made clear that tariffs for the United States represent an advantageous negotiation tactic. This is reflected in the current situation, in which a 20 percent import customs was only temporarily relaxed, while the tariffs continue to exist on cars and steel.

trade conflicts and tariffs

Trump's “America First” policy has changed significantly. Since he took office on January 20, 2025, Trump threatened with punitive tariffs against various countries, including Canada, Mexico and China. On March 12, 2025, steel and aluminum tariffs against the EU are to be specifically introduced. Trump uses these measures to enforce economic and security -political goals, which is regarded by many as a threat to the post -war economic order.

A central aspect of Trump's trade policy is the willingness to apply tariffs against all states, including those with free trade agreements. The EU, the and the United States maintain the most integrated trade and investment relationships worldwide, could react to these tariffs with their own retaliation. During the Trump administration there were intensive trade policy conflicts between the USA and the EU, with mutual allegations and punitive tariffs causing tensions.

future of transatlantic relationships

The realignment of transatlantic relationships is imminent, especially after Trump has announced his policy to review the US trade deficits. The congress has given the executive powers of trade regulation, which means that Trump can take far -reaching decisions. As part of this policy, the US government is planning tariffs to a wide range of sectors, including cars, pharmaceuticals and agricultural products, to ensure national interests and to remedy trade inequality.

The EU, on the other hand, strives to reduce the existing barriers and hopes to reduce car and industrial tariffs to avoid trade conflicts. Against the background, these efforts can be seen that both the EU and the USA lose relative importance compared to rapidly growing emerging countries, especially China. The challenge is to find a stable dialogue, while the pressure on Trump is growing to appear flexible.

The coming months will be crucial when it comes to how the EU and the USA are dealing with this tense trading situation. While Trump only gives way when political pressure increases, the current situation in Europe requires unity and flexibility to react to the challenges of trade relationships.

For more information about the effects of Trump's trade policy on world trade, read dgap href = "https://www.wirtschaftsdienst.eu/inhalt/2020/Heft/12/beard/transatlantlantischen-handlitik-vor-waehrend-und-nach-trump.html"> Wirtschaftsdienst .

The developments are still observed because both the EU and the USA are looking for strategic solutions to stabilize their trade relationships. Both have to develop concrete ideas for a common future to maximize mutual economic benefits.