'Tariffs Are Taxes': EU Slams Trump's 'Reciprocal' Trade Policy, Vows Firm And Immediate Response

The European Union declared on Friday that it would respond "firmly and immediately" to any trade restrictions following US President Donald Trump's announcement of tariffs that could impact both allies and rivals.

The European Commission criticised Trump's tariff proposal as "a step in the wrong direction," warning that it would increase economic instability and disrupt global market efficiency.

"The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade," the commission, which runs trade policy for the bloc's 27 nations, said in a statement, news agency AFP reported.

On Thursday (13 February), Trump announced his decision to impose reciprocal tariffs, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing international trade conflict that has intensified since he took office in January.

Trump argued that US allies were sometimes "worse than our enemies" in trade matters.

He specifically criticised the EU, describing its trade practices with Washington as "absolutely brutal."

"The EU maintains some of the lowest tariffs in the world and sees no justification for increased US tariffs on its exports," the European Commission said, emphasising its commitment to safeguarding European businesses and consumers.

"Tariffs are taxes. By imposing tariffs, the US is taxing its own citizens, raising costs for business, stifling growth and fuelling inflation," it added.

Since assuming office, Trump has introduced a wide array of tariffs against major US trading partners, justifying them as a means to address unfair trade practices—while at times using them as leverage to shape policy decisions.

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