Donald Trump’s renewed trade aggression has put European food exports directly in the crosshairs, with a threat of a 17% tariff on farm produce and processed foods. This significant duty would hit popular European goods such as Belgian chocolate, Irish Kerrygold butter, and olive oil from Italy, Spain, and France, all highly valued by American consumers.
The warning was reportedly delivered to EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič during high-level talks in Washington with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. This latest move underscores Trump’s consistent “aggressive negotiating position,” which he once controversially described as “nastier” than China in trade.
While the European Union’s trade spokesperson, Olof Gill, confirmed that negotiations continue with a focus on a “negotiated solution” and “agreement in principle,” the bloc’s preparedness for escalation is evident. The EU has made it clear that it is prepared for a potential trade war, with retaliatory duties on various US products, including Bourbon and Boeing 747s, if an amicable resolution isn’t reached before the upcoming deadline.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the difficulty of securing a comprehensive deal within the tight timeframe, instead aiming for a high-level framework agreement. The EU is also seeking immediate tariff relief for critical sectors, particularly the auto industry, which currently faces a substantial 27.5% US tariff. The 90-day pause on Trump’s “liberation tariffs” concludes for over 60 countries this Wednesday, intensifying pressure on all parties to find a resolution.
