United States President Donald Trump declared he is not seeking any agreement with the European Union, despite imposing a punishing new trade barrier. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump confirmed that a 50 percent tariff on goods imported from the EU will be enforced from the first of June.
“I am not looking for a deal,” Trump told reporters. “We already have one. It is at least 50 percent.” His statement came in response to a question about whether there was any chance of striking an accord with European nations before the deadline. “They have not treated us properly,” Trump claimed. “They ganged up to take advantage of us.”
Trump’s remarks confirm earlier signals from his administration that negotiations with Brussels had stalled. In recent weeks, he has grown increasingly vocal about his dissatisfaction with the EU, often accusing European countries of unfair trade practices and failing to meet his demands.
The introduction of a 50 percent tariff, which could increase the cost of EU goods by billions of euros, is set to deepen the ongoing transatlantic trade rift. At current exchange rates, a 50 percent tariff on EU imports could mean an additional burden of approximately £430 billion (about €500 billion) for European exporters. The EU has not yet announced any formal retaliatory steps but is expected to respond in kind.
The decision marks another blow to longstanding diplomatic ties and economic cooperation between Washington and European capitals. Analysts have warned that this move may further isolate the United States and increase volatility in global markets. Critics of the Trump administration, including several American and European economists, suggest the tariffs are more about political theatre than economic necessity.
