US-imposed tariffs inflict staggering costs on the European Union
Thanks to Trump, European Commission insiders say an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty continues to hang over EU-US trade relations.
Meeting on November 24, 2025, EU trade ministers agreed the bloc must broaden its commercial horizons and seek additional stable partners.
What we are working on continuously, that we have to diversify our trade, the commissioner gave us a state on ongoing negotiations with India and a number of other countries and regions in Asia, Middle East and Africa.
Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Danish Foreign Minister
It emerged at Monday's meeting, attended by senior White House officials, that the EU has already paid 173 billion euro for US energy imports this year, much of it for costly liquefied natural gas shipped across the Atlantic.
Those charges filter through industry and ultimately onto consumers. It's a stark contrast to the much cheaper Russian gas that once powered the EU.
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, struck a deal with Trump at his golf course in Scotland last July.
He had been threatening 50% US tariffs on all EU imports, but in the end, they settled on a baseline 15% Levy.
Now Washington officials are annoyed at the EU over its slow implementation of that deal.
Punishing 50% US tariffs on EU steel and aluminum remains firmly in place.
The current trade arrangements have drawn sharp criticism from inside the European Parliament.
Trump is the worst bully in the schoolyard. He picks on everyone. You should never give in to blackmail. The more money we promise to pour into the US, the more they will demand from us.
Jussi Saramo, Finnish MEP
EU citizens are equally scathing of the current US administration.
I think it's just right now a pause, maybe before I know like maybe then Trump decides to impose tariffs again or to increase them on us.
And plus, right now, with the Ukraine plan, again, like the recently disclosed Ukraine plan, is going to be other tensions as well.
Member of Public 01
If Vance is taking the place of Trump, because he's talking about that now, I think it's even more dangerous.
And in a way, even if they go back and they will be less rude in a few years, I think the how to say the tune is set.
I think it's very dangerous.
Member of Public 02
Government leaders are being accused of surrendering far too much ground to Trump on trade, leaving millions of already struggling EU businesses and households to shoulder the cost.
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