United States President Donald Trump has suggested that the European Union (EU) could face tariffs next. This comes after he imposed 25% levies on goods from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10% tax on imports from China.
When Trump arrived in Maryland from Florida, Trump said that tariffs on EU goods imported into the US could happen soon.
“They don’t take our cars, they don’t take our farm products, they take almost nothing and we take everything from them. Millions of cars, tremendous amounts of food and farm products,” he said according to the BBC.
Trump said that he enjoyed good relations with the British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and that trade issues with the UK could be worked out. He did not provide a timeline for announcing tariffs on the European bloc, he said, “I wouldn’t say there’s a timeline, but it’s going to be pretty soon.”
Meanwhile, the 27-member bloc has condemned Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, warning that it will “respond firmly” if the EU also becomes a target.
Trump stated that the UK has been “out of line” on trade but expressed confidence that the issues could be resolved. “The UK is out of line. But I’m sure that one, I think that one, can be worked out,” he said. He also spoke about his relationship with the British Prime Minister, describing it as positive. “We’ve had a couple of meetings. We’ve had numerous phone calls. We’re getting along very well,” he added.
Meanwhile, British Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told the BBC last week that the UK should be exempt from any tariffs, emphasising that the US does not have a goods trade deficit with the UK.
According to the BBC, Mexico and Canada have vowed to take retaliatory measures, while China said it could take “corresponding countermeasures”.
Canada And Mexico’s Reaction
According to the Associated Press (AP), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum were on the phone on Saturday after Trump’s administration imposed the new tariffs. Following this, Trudeau’s office issued a statement that Canada and Mexico had agreed “to enhance the strong bilateral relations” between their countries.
Canadian officials have had extensive dialogue with their Mexican counterparts, but a senior Canadian official said he would not go as far as to say the tariff responses were coordinated, as per the report.
“Now is the time to chose products made right here in Canada,” Trudeau posted Sunday on X. “Check the labels. Let’s do our part. Wherever we can, choose Canada.”
“We’re certainly not looking to escalate, but we will stand up for Canada,” Trudeau said late Saturday.
Some authorities in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba and Nova Scotia planned to remove American liquor brands from government store shelves. For instance, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario sells nearly $1 billion worth of American wine, beer, spirits and seltzers every year, Ontario Premier Doug Ford pointed out Sunday.
“Not anymore,” Ford said in a statement. Starting Tuesday, they planned to remove American products from their shelves and their catalogue.
As per AP, Canadians are feeling a sense of betrayal. Trudeau reminded Americans that Canadian troops fought alongside them in Afghanistan and helped respond to many disasters in the US, including wildfires in California and Hurricane Katrina.
ALSO READ: Flower Petals Showered On Devotees From Helicopter At Maha Kumbh On Final ‘Amrit Snan’ — Watch
