EU chief slams Trump tariff threat, pledges retaliation if required

Xinhua
12 Jul 2025, 21:45 GMT+10

"Imposing 30 percent tariffs on EU exports would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers, and patients on both sides of the Atlantic," von der Leyen said in a statement.

BRUSSELS, July 12 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned on Saturday that Washington's decision to impose 30 percent tariffs on European Union (EU) exports risks severely disrupting transatlantic supply chains, and pledged that the EU would respond with countermeasures if necessary.

Her comments followed an earlier announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said his administration would impose 30 percent tariffs on EU exports, arguing that bilateral trade had long been unbalanced and lacked reciprocity.

Von der Leyen responded that the EU remained committed to a negotiated solution, but emphasized that the bloc would act to defend its economic interests if negotiations failed.

"We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by Aug. 1," she said, "At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required."

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Russia Herald.

More Information

null in null

Business

Section

AI boom propels Nvidia to historic market cap milestone

SAN FRANCISCO, California: Nvidia, the Silicon Valley chipmaker at the heart of the artificial intelligence boom, this week briefly...

AI saves $500 million for Microsoft as layoffs reshape strategy

REDMOND, Washington: Artificial intelligence is transforming Microsoft's bottom line. The company saved over US$500 million last year...

FTC’s rule to ease subscription cancellations struck down by court

WASHINGTON, D.C.: A federal rule designed to make it easier for Americans to cancel subscriptions has been blocked by a U.S. appeals...

Musk’s X loses CEO Linda Yaccarino amid AI backlash, ad woes

BASTROP, Texas: In a surprising turn at Elon Musk's X platform, CEO Linda Yaccarino announced she is stepping down, just months after...

Ex-UK PM Sunak takes advisory role at Goldman Sachs

NEW YORK CITY, New York: Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak will return to Goldman Sachs in an advisory role, the Wall Street...

Gold ETF inflows hit 5-year high as tariffs drive safe-haven bets

LONDON, U.K.: Physically backed gold exchange-traded funds recorded their most significant semi-annual inflow since the first half...

World

Section