TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has imposed a 30 percent import tariff on products from the European Union starting on August 1, 2025. This statement was conveyed formally to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and was published on the Truth Social platform. Trump warns that any response with retaliatory measures will be met with an equivalent increase in tariffs.
This announcement has triggered responses from various European leaders, generally expressing concerns and promoting solutions through dialogue. As quoted from CNBC, here are their responses:
1. Ursula von der Leyen - President of the European Commission
Von der Leyen stated that the European Union remains open to finding a middle ground before the set deadline. She also emphasized that unilateral actions could disrupt trans-Atlantic economic stability.
"We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by August 1. At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of the European Union, including adopting proportional retaliatory measures if necessary," she said.
"Imposing a 30 percent tariff on exports from the European Union will disrupt important trans-Atlantic supply chains. We continue to deepen our global partnerships, which are firmly based on international trade principles and rules."
2. Dick Schoof - Prime Minister of the Netherlands
Schoof assessed that the tariff policy announced by the United States is not in line with mutually beneficial resolution efforts. "The United States' announcement of a 30 percent tariff on imported goods from the European Union is worrisome and not a way out. The European Commission can rely on our full support. As the European Union, we must remain united and steadfast in pursuing mutually beneficial results with the United States."
3. Ulf Kristersson - Prime Minister of Sweden
Kristersson stated that the European Union is prepared to take retaliatory measures but affirmed that dialogue remains a priority. "We support the European Commission's desire to continue seeking solutions through negotiations. The European Union is ready to respond with firm retaliatory measures if necessary. However, all parties will be harmed if this trade conflict escalates, and American consumers will bear the greatest burden. Sweden supports free trade and international cooperation."
4. Emmanuel Macron - President of France
Macron supports the European Commission in accelerating the preparation of retaliatory measures while continuing efforts to reach an agreement before the deadline. "Together with the President of the European Commission, France strongly disagrees with the announcement of a 30 percent import duty that will apply broadly to European exports to the United States starting August 1. In the spirit of European unity, it is now more important than ever for the Commission to clearly assert the EU's determination to staunchly defend European interests. This particularly involves accelerating the preparation of credible retaliatory measures by mobilizing all available instruments, including anti-coercion mechanisms, if no agreement is reached before August 1."
5. Pedro Snchez - Prime Minister of Spain
Snchez emphasized the importance of open trade and rejected tariffs that he deemed lacked a strong basis. "Economic openness and trade create prosperity. Baseless tariffs only destroy it. Therefore, we support and will continue to support the Commission in its negotiations to reach an agreement with the United States before August 1. United, European nations form the largest trading bloc in the world. Let us harness that strength to achieve a fair agreement."
6. Michel Martin - Prime Minister of Ireland
Martin stated that all issues between the European Union and the United States should be resolved through respectful dialogue. "The European Union and the United States have the largest trade and investment relationship in the world. When issues arise between us, they should be resolved through close and respectful dialogue. Although all options are still open, the European Union has affirmed that its primary choice is negotiated solutions, not escalation. This attitude remains our guiding principle."
7. Bernd Lange - Chair of the International Trade Committee of the European Parliament
Lange provided a critical response to the contents of Trump's letter, calling it an action that did not respect the ongoing negotiation process. "Trump's letter, both in content and tone, is inappropriate and a slap in the face for us. We have been negotiating intensively for more than three weeks and have made various offers to improve the situation for mutual benefit. True willingness to negotiate should not be like this. The waiting period is over, we have postponed the first phase of retaliatory measures. I am convinced that it should be implemented as planned on Monday, followed immediately by the second list. The activation of balancing measures will be discussed soon."
8. Government of Italy
In an official statement, the Government of Italy called on all parties to remain focused on a peaceful resolution and to avoid polarization that could hinder negotiation progress. "We believe in the good intentions of all parties to reach a fair agreement to strengthen cooperation across the Western world as a whole, especially in the current global situation. It would be utterly senseless to trigger a trade conflict between the two halves of the Atlantic. It is now crucial to remain focused on the negotiation process and avoid polarization that could hinder the achievement of an agreement."
Adinda Jasmine contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor's Choice: Donald Trump Imposes 30% Import Tariffs on EU and Mexico
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia Eyeing to Boost Exports to European Union Following IEU-CEPA Deal
13 jam lalu
Indonesia aims to diversify the export market by strengthening exports to the European Union as an alternative to U.S.
Indonesia's Oil and Gas Imports Await Results of U.S. Tariff Talks, Minister Says
15 jam lalu
The government will execute gas and oil imports only if negotiations between Indonesia and U.S. results in lowered tariffs.
A Brief Guide to Multi-Entry Schengen Visa Application for Indonesian Travelers
17 jam lalu
Indonesian citizens visiting the European Union for the second time or more will find it easier to obtain a multi-entry Schengen visa now.
IEU-CEPA to Provide Market Diversification Benefits for Indonesian Products
23 jam lalu
The IEU-CEPA is considered to provide market diversification benefits for Indonesian products after the United States imposed a tariff hike.
Indonesia and EU Finalize CEPA with Zero Tariffs on Trade
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto stated that all trade tariffs between Indonesia and the European Union will be reduced to zero percent after both parties agreed on CEPA.
Easier Schengen Visa for Indonesian Citizens After IEU CEPA Agreement
1 hari lalu
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has stated that Indonesian citizens visiting the European Union for the second time will be eligible for a multi-entry Schengen visa.
Donald Trump Imposes 30% Import Tariffs on EU and Mexico
1 hari lalu
U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 30% import tariff on all goods from the European Union and Mexico.
Today's Top 3 News: US Aware of Israeli Settlers' Fatal Beating of American Citizen in West Bank
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Economists Urge Bank Indonesia to Cut Interest Rates Following Trump's Tariffs
1 hari lalu
Economists and investors urge Bank Indonesia (BI) to lower interest rates to boost the economy, citing new U.S. import tariffs.
US State Department Lays Off 1,353 in Trump's Workforce Overhaul
2 hari lalu
The US State Department begins to dismiss 1,353 employees as part of a major government reorganization carried out by the Trump administration to streamline the bureaucracy.
