Trump tariffs: How Germany, France, Spain reacted to 30% rate threat; Macron calls on EU to ‘defend European interests’
In an escalation of the trade war that has angered US allies and rattled investors, President Donald Trump announced the latest tariffs in separate letters to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum posted on Truth Social.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday intensified the tariff trade war even further by threatening to impose a 30 per cent tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union starting on August 1.
On USA President Trump threatened a 30% tariff rate on imports from the European Union, European leaders reacted with a mix of defiance and continued calls for negotiation.
France: President Emmanuel Macron expressed “very strong disapproval” of the proposed tariffs, urging the EU to “defend European interests resolutely” and prepare credible countermeasures, including potentially utilizing the Anti-Coercion Instrument, if a deal isn’t reached by August 1st.
Germany: German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche highlighted the negative impact such tariffs would have on both European companies and the US economy and consumers, calling for a “pragmatic outcome” to the negotiations.
Spain: The Spanish Economy Ministry supported further negotiations but stated that Spain and other EU nations were prepared to implement “proportionate countermeasures if necessary”. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez specifically called the tariffs “unjustified”.
The European Commission, responsible for EU trade policy, continues to prioritize a negotiated solution, while also preparing for potential retaliatory measures if the US proceeds with the tariffs.
The EU has temporarily suspended its planned countermeasures until August 1st, coinciding with the US President’s deadline.
Some European leaders, like France’s Macron, believe the EU should adopt a tougher stance, while others, like Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, emphasize a focus on peaceful dialogue and finding a swift solution to avoid escalation of the trade conflict, according to India Today.
