The EU offered zero tariffs on industrial goods already back in 2018. Trump was calling the EU "foe" and threatening on 25% tariffs on European cars. Trump is basically Putin but with Cheetos for brains. We all know how constructive these negotiations will turn out to be. - ThreadSky

stockholmgooner.bsky.social • 32 days ago

The EU offered zero tariffs on industrial goods already back in 2018. Trump was calling the EU "foe" and threatening on 25% tariffs on European cars.

Trump is basically Putin but with Cheetos for brains. We all know how constructive these negotiations will turn out to be.

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stormness.bsky.social•32 days ago

Which is why this move is for domestic (EU) politics. It shows European voters that efforts have been made, and that there’s nothing the EU could have done to avert the economic turmoil that will inevitably follow

stockholmgooner.bsky.social•32 days ago

That is true. But I think the best thing would have been to retaliate the 25% on imports of steel, aluminium, and certain products to show strength and unity. And then negotiate the 25% on cars and auto-part plus the overlying 20%.

This was too weak going into negotiations.

joergritter2.bsky.social•32 days ago

Like China did? I guess I don't need to tell you what Trump threatened in return.

Right now, there's (imho) likely no "correct" strategies to directly confront Trump, at least not from outside the country. Pressure must come from within, from within his backers. Meanwhile: Perhaps do trade pacts?

stockholmgooner.bsky.social•32 days ago

I know what your saying, even if China is different.

I just think we are sitting in a risky position not having made a tuff collective decision before negotiations. It could invite putting cracks in our collective shield so to speak. All our strenght builds on that.

stormness.bsky.social•32 days ago

Ok, I see your point now. My understanding was that the EU have already agreed on the first two sets of countermeasures coming into effect on 15.04 and 15.04, and are debating further measures to be triggered as soon as Trump escalates further

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-prioritises-talks-with-us-get-trumps-tariffs-removed-2025-04-07/

stockholmgooner.bsky.social•32 days ago

I just think action is what counts in these negotiations. To take a risk together is a show of faith.

But as said before here. Its hard to know what’s right when dealing with Trump. I see all our arguments as valid and I know my standpoint isn’t the default.

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