Europe warns of “a strong plan to retaliate” one day before Trump’s launch

A high European Union official warned the United States on Tuesday that the world’s largest commercial block “has many letters” when it comes to dealing with the new Trump administration rates and has a good plan to retaliate if you are forced to do so.

The president of the United States, Donald Trump, promised to implement taxes on imports from other countries on Wednesday. He says they will free the United States from the dependence of foreign goods.

It is promised to impose “reciprocal” tariffs so that they coincide with the duties that other countries charge for US products, calling April 2 “Day of Liberation”.

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“Europe has not begun this confrontation. We do not necessarily want to retaliate, but if necessary, we have a solid plan to retaliate and use it,” said the president of the European Commission, Ursula Von Leyen, to EU legislators.

The Commission, the EU Executive Branch, negotiates trade agreements on behalf of the 27 member countries of the block and manages commercial disputes in its name.

“Europe has many cards, from commerce to technology to the size of our market. But this fortress is also based on our preparation to take firm measures if necessary. All instruments are on the table,” said Von Leyen, in a session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

The commission already intends to impose duties to US goods worth $ 28 billion in mid -April in response to Trump’s steel and aluminum rates. The duties of the EU will go to steel and aluminum products, but also textiles, appliances and agricultural products.

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There is much unknown about how Trump taxes will be implemented, especially “reciprocal” tariffs, and the EU wants to evaluate its impact before taking retaliation measures.

“Many Europeans feel completely discouraged by the announcement of the United States,” said Von der Leyen. “This is the largest and prosperous commercial relationship worldwide. We would all be better if we could find a constructive solution.”

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