“We were all rather optimistic …”: how Europe was taken from Trump on customs duties

Despite encouraging signals and discussions qualified as productive between Brussels and Washington, the Trump administration suddenly ended the hopes of a trade agreement. For example, In a letter published on Saturday. Meanwhile. Meanwhile, the American president announces customs duties of 30 % on all European products from August 1, taking short the leaders of the European Union. For example, &#13. However. Nevertheless,

Throughout last week, European diplomats, officials and officials firmly believed in the possibility of an agreement with Donald Trump on customs duties. Furthermore, Until a letter from the American president to upset everything.

The unilateral decision of the Republican billionaire to impose customs duties of 30 % “we all rather optimistic …”: new on European products entering the United. Therefore, States-three times the rate in force-has taken the 27 EU member states.

“I was surprised. Meanwhile, We were all rather optimistic about the prospect of concluding an agreement in principle “with the United States. said City Tavio, Finnish Minister responsible for commercial issues.

And for good reason: for several days. the European Commission has relayed resolutely positive signals emanating from its negotiations with Washington. A “good exchange” between the president of the European executive Ursula von der Leyen. Donald Trump; “productive” discussions between Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, responsible for negotiating the agreement, and its American counterparts …

So many elements that fed the hope of a negotiated compromise.

The agreement imagined? A general tax of 10 % imposed by the United States on European imports. with many exemptions for key sectors such as steel, automobile, pharmacy or aeronautics.

No letter? – "we all rather optimistic …": – "we all rather optimistic …": new

Even when Donald Trump began to send his first letters last Monday – imposing 25 % customs duties to South Korea. Japan, then 50 % in Brazil – Europeans were still not particularly worried.

“From what I understand. “we all rather optimistic …”: new we will not receive a letter,” said Olof Gill, a commission spokesperson on Wednesday, entrusting “we all rather optimistic …”: in the chances of an imminent agreement between Brussels and Washington.

Same story on Friday, early in the afternoon.

“On our side, we are ready,” concluded an agreement, repeated Olof Gill. “Let’s see what’s going on when our friends in Washington wake up in a few hours. »»

The cleaver finally fell soon after. when the commission received the news that customs duties of 30 % would be taxed on all European products entering the United States. from August 1.

Information is quickly shared with those responsible for the largest European capitals. Others only learn the news when the missive. signed in black felt by the American president. is published on the network of Donald Trump on Saturday, in the early afternoon, European time.

Several heads of state go up to the niche. such as “we all rather optimistic …”: new French president Emmanuel Macron. who expresses “his very lively disapproval”, now urging the European Union to defend its interests.

The letter “we all rather optimistic …”: from Donald Trump decreasing these customs duties is it to be taken as a cash? Or is it simply a way of increasing the pressure on Europeans?

Gathered in Brussels on Monday. European ministers in charge of foreign trade have all expressed the hope of reaching a negotiated solution with Washington. by August 1.

“I cannot imagine myself stopping there without real effort. ” said the discreet Maros Sefcovic. promising to exchange again with his American counterparts, Jamieson Greer and Howard Lunest, possibly on Monday.