The recent trade tensions sparked by US President Donald Trump's tariff announcements have drawn sharp responses from major global players. Trump's decision to levy a 25% tariff on European goods, including cars, has prompted a strong reaction from the EU. Key EU nations, Spain and France, have called for a robust counter-response, emphasizing the need to protect European economic interests. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized the tariffs as unjustified, while French Economic Minister Eric Lombard highlighted the need to defend EU interests, even if it means retaliatory measures.
The EU Commission has rejected Trump's claims that the EU was established to exploit the United States, instead pointing to the mutual benefits of transatlantic trade. With a trade volume of approximately 1.5 trillion euros, the EU emphasizes the profitability it provides to US investments in Europe.
Meanwhile, in Asia, China has also promised countermeasures in response to the US's proposed 10% tariffs on Chinese goods. The US has linked these tariffs to issues such as fentanyl smuggling, accusations that China refutes, citing its strict drug policies. China has warned that US unilateral tariffs violate World Trade Organization rules and threaten the global trading system.
The mounting trade conflicts are unsettling international relations. As the US takes a firmer stance, the EU and China are urged to find strategies to protect their own economies. The situation brings into question the sustainability of current global trade alliances and highlights the shifting dynamics in international relations, with countries exploring ways to mitigate dependencies and maintain economic sovereignty.
