The European Union has said it will protect its trade interests if the United States follows through with President Donald Trump’s planned 30% tariff on European imports from 1 August.
At the same time, EU officials confirmed they are still open to talks before the deadline.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, took a firm but calm position. She said the EU supports open markets and fair trade.
“We will do what is needed to defend EU interests. This includes proportionate countermeasures, if necessary,” she stated.
French President Emmanuel Macron backed the Commission’s approach. He urged it to use the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), which allows the EU to respond to economic pressure from other countries.
“Now more than ever, the Commission must show the Union’s resolve to protect European interests,” Macron wrote on X.
Concerns over economic impact on both sides
Germany’s Economy Minister, Katherina Reiche, warned that the tariffs could harm both Europe and the United States.
“They would hit European exporters hard. But they would also affect American businesses and consumers,” she said. She called for a practical solution to ease rising tensions.
Spain’s Economy Ministry also supported further talks. But it made clear that Spain and other EU nations are ready to act if needed.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof called the tariff proposal “concerning”. He urged EU countries to stay united and focus on finding a balanced outcome with the US.
His trade secretary, Hanneke Boerma, added: “Firms on both sides of the Atlantic need stability. Lower tariffs would be better for all.”
Economic forecasts and political tensions
The EU’s firm response comes as concerns grow about the possible effects of a 30% tariff. This figure is far above recent modelling assumptions.
The European Central Bank (ECB) had estimated a 10% tariff would still allow the eurozone economy to grow. It predicted 0.9% growth in 2025 and 1.3% by 2027.
A 20% tariff, ECB economists warned, could cut growth by a full percentage point and push inflation below target. The ECB has not yet released a forecast for a 30% tariff scenario.
Some analysts believe US consumers may feel the impact even more. Cyrus de la Rubia, Chief Economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank, said: “Tariffs on EU goods tend to hurt the US more than Europe. Our models support this.”
Carsten Brzeski, Global Head of Macro at ING, said the situation signals a clear breakdown in talks.
“The EU now faces a choice: compromise or respond in kind. Either way, markets should prepare for more volatility,” he warned.
President Trump’s proposed tariffs are linked to the long-standing US trade deficit with the EU, which stands at $235 billion in goods.
While he has often accused the EU of unfair trade practices, European officials point to America’s trade surplus in services, which helps balance the figures.
The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU estimates the transatlantic trade relationship is worth $9.5 trillion. Many experts warn it could face serious strain unless both sides reach a solution soon.
