U.S. President Donald Trump will "buckle under pressure" if Europe stands together against his tariff policies, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck stated. Speaking at a press conference, he emphasized the need for Germany and the EU to act collectively with international allies to counter Trump’s aggressive trade measures.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz also condemned Trump’s decision, calling it a direct attack on global trade rules that would have widespread economic consequences. On Wednesday, Trump imposed a 20% tariff on European Union imports, significantly impacting Germany due to its strong reliance on exports. Scholz warned that such policies could trigger further economic instability and disrupt global supply chains.
Meanwhile, Britain is seeking to mitigate the effects of the tariffs by pushing for a trade agreement with the U.S. The UK received a lower 10% duty, and officials argue that their strategy of diplomatic negotiation rather than retaliation is proving effective. Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds confirmed that discussions with the U.S. are advancing, though a final agreement has yet to reach Trump’s desk. He acknowledged that while Britain is in a better position than some other countries facing steeper tariffs, the situation remains uncertain.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer reassured business leaders that any deal must serve the UK’s national interests. He stressed that negotiations are ongoing but will not come at the expense of key industries or regulatory standards. However, trade experts caution that Trump’s demands may pressure Britain to make concessions on agricultural imports, technology regulations, and its trading relationships with the EU and China.