European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned that Donald Trump’s blanket tariffs risk deepening global economic instability, calling them a “major blow” to growth.
And she warned the European Union was ready to hit back if talks with Washington fail.
The EU is finalising a first round of countermeasures, with tariffs planned on up to €26bn worth of US goods in response to recent levies on steel and aluminium. Von der Leyen said more actions were being prepared to protect European businesses.
Trump’s latest move imposes a 10% minimum tariff on most imports and 20% on goods from the EU.
Von der Leyen criticised the lack of clear strategy, warning of inflation, supply chain chaos and rising costs for everyday items.