‘Europe is always ready for a good deal’ but the question is, does Trump think it’s ‘good’ too?
The EU commission has revealed what deal it’s offered Donald Trump amid the ongoing tariff war which has ‘successfully’ worked with ‘many other trading partners’.
Back in March, former President Trump issued a bold ultimatum to the European Union, threatening to impose a staggering 200 percent tariff on select goods if the EU refused to remove what he dubbed a ‘nasty’ whisky tax. This move came in response to the EU’s retaliatory actions against the U.S., which had levied a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports. As the dust settled, Trump proclaimed a symbolic ‘Liberation Day,’ heralding a new era for American industry by raising tariffs even higher, including a 20 percent hike on EU goods.
But now, a shift in tone seems to be unfolding. On April 7, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a joint statement with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre, revealed that the EU is extending an olive branch to the U.S. They acknowledged the significant toll U.S. tariffs have on both American consumers and businesses, as well as the global economy, with developing countries bearing the heaviest burden. The statement marks a pivotal moment for the U.S., recognizing the broader economic implications of its trade policies.
Still, the EU isn’t backing down. The statement emphasizes their readiness to negotiate, offering a ‘zero-for-zero’ tariff deal for industrial goods, a strategy that has worked well with other trading partners. “Europe is always ready for a good deal,” it concluded, leaving the door open for future talks — but not without a clear warning.
The EU’s statement didn’t just offer olive branches—it also delivered a stern message. It highlighted that the EU is “prepared to respond through countermeasures and defend our interests,” signaling a firm stance on protecting its economic position. The resolution went further, revealing plans to establish an ‘Import Surveillance Task Force’ to monitor and respond to potential trade diversions caused by U.S. tariffs. The EU will collaborate with industries to build a solid evidence base for any policy actions, ensuring minimal disruption between the two economies.
Moreover, the EU’s strategy isn’t solely focused on retaliation. The statement emphasized two key pillars: strengthening the European Single Market by eliminating remaining barriers and diversifying trade relationships beyond the U.S. While the EU appears open to negotiations, Trump’s response has been far from enthusiastic. Speaking outside the White House, he told reporters that any deal would require the EU to commit to purchasing $350 billion in American energy. For Trump, any potential agreement would only be on the table if it clearly prioritized “America first.”
