Summary
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered a “zero-for-zero” deal to eliminate all industrial tariffs with the U.S., following Trump’s 20% tariff hike on EU goods.
The offer revives a proposal from a decade ago that was nearly finalized under the TTIP — the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership — that was ultimately scuppered by Trump in his first term.
The deal would cover cars, chemicals, and other industrial goods. Trump’s tariffs have rattled global markets, with EU stocks seeing their steepest drop since COVID-19.
The EU warned it is also ready with countermeasures if negotiations fail.
Why are they throwing him this lifeline?
Let it all burn
Because it’s something the EU wanted and didn’t get in the last round. It’ll be funny if Trump accepts because it basically concedes that his negotiating position is weaker than it was eight years ago.
I’m with you though. I think a united front from all the countries where Trump imposed tariffs would be more effective at nipping this nonsense in the bud. And I think countries are shortsighted if they don’t recognize that the U.S. is becoming a fundamentally unreliable negotiating partner and their approach to negotiating with the U.S. should reflect that.
Great answer; thanks
But Trump is a bully, and if he feels like there is any concession at all he will just double down and bully more.
The best option is to stand up to him with every ounce of strength.