World
European Commission President Offers ‘Zero-for-Zero’ Tariff Deal as Trump Hits Imports
By Jake Beardslee · April 7, 2025
European Commission President Zero-for-Zero" Trade Deal to Counter Trump Tariffs
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a sweeping "zero-for-zero" tariff deal to the United States, suggesting a complete removal of tariffs on all industrial goods. This offer, made amid escalating trade tensions, comes as President Donald Trump plans to impose a 20% blanket tariff on EU imports beginning April 9, with certain sectors—steel, aluminum, and automobiles—facing even steeper 25% tariffs. European Commission / European People's Party / Wikimedia
Von der Leyen Proposes Complete Elimination of Industrial Tariffs
According to Euronews, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday, “We stand ready to negotiate with the US. Indeed, we have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods as we have successfully done with many other trading partners,” adding that the EU “is always ready for a good deal” but will not hesitate to “respond through countermeasures and defend our interests” if talks collapse. Christophe Licoppe / European Union, 2024 / EC - Audiovisual Service / Wikimedia
Previous EU Auto Sector Deals Met with Washington Silence
Though the EU previously proposed similar deals specifically for the automotive sector, von der Leyen said that Washington failed to respond adequately. This time, the Commission broadened the offer to all industrial goods even before Trump’s tariff announcement on April 2.Von der Leyen also warned that her team is ready to utilize “all instruments” at its disposal, including a 2023 anti-coercion tool that remains unused thus far. The White House / Wikimedia
Trump's Tariffs to Impact €380 Billion Worth of European Exports
Trump's tariffs will affect over €380 billion worth of EU products. While sectors such as pharmaceuticals, copper, lumber, semiconductors, and energy are exempt, von der Leyen cautioned that the broader measures could spell economic turmoil. She labeled Trump’s actions a "major turning point" with “immense costs” for American consumers and a “massive” blow to the global economy.The U.S. administration has described the new tariffs as “reciprocal,” but Brussels rejected this rationale as “neither credible nor justified.” Pixabay / Pexels
Asian Nations Hit Hardest by New US Trade Barriers
Wider global impacts are also a concern for the EU. Asian countries are being hit even harder: Cambodia faces a 49% tariff, Laos 48%, Vietnam 46%, and China 54% when accounting for previous levies. Brussels fears this may push Asian exporters—locked out of the U.S. market—toward Europe, risking a flood of low-cost goods. Pixabay / Pexels