EU Rejects Trump’s Tariff Threat, Demands ‘Respect’ in Trade Talks

The European Union’s top trade official, Maroš Šefčovič, has pushed back strongly against President Donald Trump’s threat of a 50% tariff on all EU goods. Šefčovič emphasized that any trade agreement between Brussels and Washington must be founded on mutual respect, not intimidation. Trump’s proposed tariffs, slated to take effect from June 1st, stem from his frustration with the slow pace of trade talks and a claimed $250 million annual trade deficit with the EU. While the US previously imposed and then halved “reciprocal” tariffs, 25% import taxes on steel, aluminum, and vehicle parts remain. European leaders, including those from France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Ireland, condemned Trump’s move as unhelpful and damaging, advocating for continued negotiations and de-escalation. The head of the EU’s trade committee even hinted at counter-tariffs if talks fail.