EU warns Trump it would ‘respond firmly’ to tariffs

(The Hill) — The European Union (EU) said it will “respond firmly” if President Donald Trump signs tariffs that could impact its member countries.

A spokesperson for the union said that the 27-member group was not aware of any additional tariffs being imposed on EU products but said the use of tariffs is “hurtful on all sides,” Bloomberg reported.

“The EU would respond firmly to any trading partner that unfairly or arbitrarily imposes tariffs on EU goods,” the spokesperson said. “There is a lot at stake.”

The remarks come just a day after Trump signed an executive order imposing significant tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. A 25 percent tariff will impact goods from Mexico and Canada and a 10 percent tariff will affect Chinese goods.

They are set to take effect on Tuesday and Trump justified the impact on Americans by arguing the pain caused by economic fallout will be “worth the price.”

In December, Trump threatened tariffs in the EU unless the bloc buys large quantities of American oil and gas to make up for the growing deficit in the U.S.

Despite Trump’s threat, the EU purchases a large amount of American oil and gas, and no more would be available unless the U.S. increases its output.

Tensions with the EU and U.S. are already heightened as the president has said he wants to acquire Greenland, which is owned by Denmark. Officials in Denmark have insisted that it’s not for sale and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had a “fiery” call with Trump over the issue.