Hattmannsdorfer warns: EU must arm itself against Trump's tariffs!

Hattmannsdorfer warns: EU must arm itself against Trump's tariffs!

Economics Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer commented today on US President Donald Trump's recent announcement that he would introduce tariffs of 20 percent on all EU imports. These abrupt measures, which are considered unpredictable in free world trade, represent a significant threat to the economic stability of the EU, especially for Germany. Hattmannsdorfer criticized Washington's zigzag course and emphasized the urgency of a united EU front.

According to Hattmannsdorfer, in order to avoid trade barriers, the goal should be to find a solution at the negotiating table. “Such trade barriers lead to a ‘lose-lose scenario’ for both sides,” he said, warning that the EU would have to seriously finalize trade countermeasures if Trump follows through on his threats. The focus should be particularly on the tech and digital service companies in which the USA achieves a trade surplus.

EU responds to threats

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the EU's willingness to hold talks with the USA to stabilize trade relations. However, if negotiations are not successful, the EU is planning retaliatory measures. Possible countermeasures could include further tariffs on US products, including steel, aluminum, textiles, leather goods, beef and soybeans. The EU is aiming for a tariff structure similar to that of the USA.

In recent months, the European Parliament has intensively debated transatlantic relations, especially after Trump's re-election in November 2024. Representatives such as Bernd Lange, chairman of the Committee on International Trade, have raised the possibility of counter-tariffs, while Maroš Šefčovič criticized the US tariffs as harmful to businesses and consumers. Adam Szłapka, Polish Minister for European Affairs, highlighted the benefits of open and fair international trade.

EU strategic responses

The unity of the EU member states is seen as crucial to defend economic interests. Against the background of these new tariff threats, the EU is also discussing the introduction of a coordinated digital tax on US technology companies in order to better protect its own economic interests. The EU is also looking for new trading partnerships, particularly with Mercosur countries and India, in order to diversify exports more broadly and minimize strategic dependencies.

The ongoing negotiations and discussions regarding tariffs are essential to secure the future of transatlantic trade and protect both the EU and the USA from significant economic damage. Hattmannsdorfer appealed that it was time to look for solutions together instead of getting lost in stagnant arguments.