Germany’s Economy Minister, Katherina Reiche, has urged the EU to negotiate “pragmatically” with the US following Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 30% tariff on European products starting 1 August.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed France’s “strong disapproval” and called for the EU to “firmly defend European interests.” Reiche stated that the EU should focus on key conflict points with the US in the limited time available, as communicated via email.
She added that Germany supports the European Commission in its negotiation efforts on behalf of the EU’s 27 member states. Reiche emphasised the need for a swift, pragmatic resolution to the negotiations.
Macron also urged the European Commission to “accelerate the preparation of credible countermeasures” if no agreement is reached by 1 August. He noted ongoing negotiations with Washington, based on a “solid and good faith offer,” and stressed the Commission’s role in defending European interests firmly.
France fully supports the Commission’s intensified negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable agreement by 1 August, reflecting the respect owed to partners like the EU and the US. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticised Trump’s tariff announcement but stated the EU still aims to secure a trade agreement with Washington.
Trump has also imposed a 30% tariff on Mexico, citing the trade imbalance between the US and the EU as justification. In 2024, the US recorded a $236 billion trade deficit with the EU, a 13% increase from the previous year, with $606 billion worth of goods exported by the EU, according to the US Trade Representative’s office.
