Sat May 24 07:06:04 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**EU Vows to Defend Interests as Trump Threatens 50% Tariff on European Goods**

Brussels – Tensions between the United States and the European Union escalated Friday after former US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on all goods imported from the 27-member bloc, starting June 1st. Trump, citing stalled trade talks, declared on his Truth Social platform that discussions were “going nowhere”.

The EU’s top trade official, Maros Sefcovic, responded swiftly, stating that while the EU remains “fully engaged” and “committed to securing a deal that works for both,” trade relations “must be guided by mutual respect, not threats.” He affirmed the EU Commission’s readiness to work in good faith towards an agreement but warned, “We stand ready to defend our interests.”

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump seemingly downplayed the need for negotiation, stating, “I’m not looking for a deal. We’ve set the deal. It’s at 50 percent.” He indicated that the tariffs might be delayed if more European companies commit to major investments in the US.

European leaders have voiced concerns that the tariffs would be detrimental to both economies. German economy minister Katherina Reiche urged for a negotiated solution, while French foreign minister Laurent Saint-Martin stated that the EU prefers de-escalation but is “ready to respond” if necessary.

If implemented, these tariffs would significantly increase import taxes on EU goods, exceeding those currently imposed on China. Trump has repeatedly complained that existing trade frameworks are “unfair” to US companies, alleging that the EU sells more goods to the US than it buys.

Trump also mentioned the possibility of a 25% import tax on iPhones not manufactured, but sold in the US, sending shockwaves through the stock market. Both the S&P 500 and the pan-European STOXX 600 index experienced significant drops following his announcements.

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