EU Made the Tough Decision Against US: EU hits back at the US Tariffs! Trump Didn’t Expect This Much

The text discusses the tariffs on steel and aluminum between the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) during Donald Trump's presidency and the trade war that could ensue.

Trump has announced tariffs of 25% on all steel and aluminum imported into the US, while also imposing or delaying tariffs on key trading partners such as Mexico, Canada and China. The European side argues that these tariffs are unlawful and will undermine the transatlantic trade and investment chain and will retaliate if necessary.

In response, the EU has in the past imposed tariffs on American products such as Bourbon whiskey or Harley-Davidson in response to steel tariffs.

At the same time, the European side is sending a message to the Trump administration by emphasizing the view that “America's main competitor is China, while the EU is an ally”.

With its “America First” approach, the Trump administration could use tariffs as a foreign policy tool, forcing European countries to increase defense spending or loosen technology regulations.

The text emphasizes that this crisis process is not limited to the economic dimension, but could also affect security issues such as future US support for Ukraine and the US position within NATO.

The EU hints that it may turn to digital services and target American technology companies in retaliation to reduce its trade deficit and protect its own interests. The UK has similarly asked to be exempted from the tariffs, citing the balance of its exports and imports to the US.

Overall, the text describes the tension between Trump's use of tariffs as a leverage for both economic and foreign policy, the EU's readiness to respond, and the parties' efforts to defend their own interests. In this tension, the scope of the trade war may widen, while the possibility of negotiations and diplomacy remains on the agenda.