The European Union is considering forming an alliance with countries impacted by US tariffs to collectively pressure the United States. EU chief negotiator Maroš Šefčovič expressed a “new feeling of urgency” regarding the potential 30% import duties, stating that such a move would make trade between the EU and the US “virtually impractical.” The EU has also prepared a list of retaliatory measures against US goods valued at €72 billion, which could include Boeing, cars, and bourbon, as well as machinery, chemicals, plastics, medical facilities, electronics, wines, and other agricultural products.
The EU is actively seeking partners for this alliance,with ongoing negotiations with canada and Japan. canada’s Minister of Industry, Mélanie Joly, indicated a desire to focus more on Europe and diversify business relations. Austrian Trade Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer emphasized the importance of global partnerships to increase pressure on the US.The EU also recently reached a preliminary trade agreement with Indonesia, which President Prabowo Subianto called a “breakthrough.” Brazil’s president Lula Da Silva, in response to a potential 50% US tariff, stated that Brazil would need to seek new business partners.
Meanwhile, the article also touches upon Slovakia’s political landscape, criticizing Prime Minister Robert fico for isolating the country from EU and NATO allies. It suggests Fico should address domestic issues, such as the recent decline in car sales and production, which might potentially be linked to american tariffs. The article notes that Fico’s promises of help to car manufacturers have not yet materialized, and criticizes his goverment for attacking a major private employer and taxpayer.
the provided text is an excerpt from an “Economic Newsfilter” prepared by Tomáš Zemko, with a word count under 1400 words and an estimated reading time of 6 minutes. The latter part of the article, discussing Trump’s stance on Russia and further details on the EU’s response, is behind a paywall.
