Trump said on Wednesday that his administration would impose a 10-percent baseline tariff on all imports to America, with imports from the European Union facing a 20-percent tariff.
US President Donald Trump signs an executive order implementing new tariffs against America's trading partners in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on Tuesday, April 2, 2025. Photo: EPA/JIM LO SCALZO
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said in an X post on Thursday that the universal tariffs announced by Washington "are a major blow to businesses and consumers worldwide."
She added that "Europe is prepared to respond."
"We'll always protect our interests and values," von der Leyen declared. "We're also ready to engage. And to go from confrontation to negotiation."
Trump's move intensifies the trade war he reignited after returning to the White House in January, broadcaster CNN reported, saying that the tariffs were likely to increase costs for American consumers and push the US economy into a recession.
"It’s our declaration of economic independence," Trump said on Wednesday.
"Jobs and factories will come roaring back into our country, and you see it happening already," he added.
The universal 10-percent rate announced by Trump is set to take effect on Saturday, with the higher rates following on April 9, leaving room for negotiations with countries subject to tariffs above the baseline, CNN reported.
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Source: CNN, IAR, PAP, Reuters