BERLIN: German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil on Sunday said the European Union must take “decisive” measures against the United States if tariff negotiations fail amid an escalating trade war.
“If a fair negotiated solution does not succeed, then we must take decisive countermeasures to protect jobs and companies in Europe,” Klingbeil told German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung.
“Our hand remains outstretched, but we will not go along with everything,” he added.
Soon after US President Donald on Saturday announced slapping 30 per cent tariff on EU, French President Emmanuel Macron called on the EU to “defend European interests resolutely”.
Along with the President of the European Commission, France shares the same very strong disapproval at the announcement of horizontal 30% tariffs on EU exports to the United States from August 1st.
This announcement comes after weeks of intense engagement by the Commission in…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 12, 2025
“In particular, this implies speeding up the preparation of credible countermeasures, by mobilising all the instruments at its disposal, including anti-coercion, if no agreement is reached by August 1st.”
TRUMP TRADE WAR
Earlier, Trump said major US trading partners Mexico and the European Union would face a 30 per cent tariff starting next month, ramping up pressure for deals in his trade wars.
Both sets of duties would take effect August 1, Trump said in separate letters posted to his Truth Social platform, citing Mexico’s role in illicit drugs flowing into the United States and a trade imbalance with the EU respectively.
The duties are higher than the 25 per cent levy Trump imposed on Mexican goods earlier this year, although products entering the United States under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement are exempted.
Canada earlier received a similar letter setting out 35 per cent tariffs on its goods.
The EU tariff is also markedly steeper than the 20 per cent levy Trump unveiled in April, as negotiations with the bloc continue.
It’s a developing story. Details to follow