US President Donald Trump has announced his intent to impose tariffs on the European Union, citing what he describes as unfair trade practices by Brussels. This declaration marks a significant escalation in transatlantic economic tensions, reminiscent of trade disputes during his first term.

Trump’s statement, made on January 31 at the White House, was characteristically emphatic. When asked about the possibility of tariffs on EU goods, he responded unequivocally: “Am I going to impose tariffs on the European Union? You want the truthful answer, or should I give you a political answer? Absolutely, absolutely.”

Trump has long accused the European Union of unfair trade policies and has threatened to take action unless Brussels takes steps to reduce its trade surplus with the US. In December, he demanded that the EU significantly increase its imports of American oil and gas, suggesting that failure to do so would result in retaliatory economic measures.

This latest threat follows a broader pattern of protectionist trade policies under Trump. His administration recently imposed 25% duties on imports from Mexico and Canada, as well as 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, all of which went into effect on February 1.

The EU has been anticipating new trade restrictions since Trump returned to office and has been bracing for potential economic disruptions. This is not the first time Trump has taken such steps against the bloc; in 2018, during his first term, he imposed a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports from the EU, Canada, and Mexico, citing national security concerns. The EU retaliated by imposing duties on American products such as bourbon whiskey and motorcycles.

While Trump has yet to........

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