Barely installed in the Oval Office, Donald Trump sows Zizania. Between budget cuts, aid and new taxes, the whole world is holding back. Europe, in particular, sees with a dim view of the return of punitive customs duties. Laurent Saint-Martin, French minister in the foreign trade, sounded the alarm: the European Union must remain united, under penalty of undergoing a historic setback in the face of the protectionist desires of the American president.
Europe must stick its elbows, warns Paris
For Minister Laurent Saint-Martin, who does not minimize the protectionist policy of the American president, it is time of truth. In Dubai, during the Gulfood food fair, He warned ::
“” If Europe is disunited, it can lose a lot. »»
It is not a distant hypothesis, but a very real threat. Trump has already struck hard by announcing 25 % taxes on imports of automobiles and pharmaceutical products.
Large German manufacturers, like Volkswagen, are already vacillating under the weight of the crisis and posting of posts. L'automotive industrywhich represents 7 % of EU GDP and employs 13 million people, risk a new jolt.
In Brussels, the Calls for response multiply. Maros Sefcovic, European Commerce Commissioner, warns: Europe will react ” firmly and quickly If Trump's threats materialize.
The economy in Europe under tension in the face of Trump sanctions
Donald Trump's list of grievances to Europe is long. He accuses the EU to erect commercial barriers under cover of standards and VAT. His project? Impose equivalent taxes (or reciprocal prices) to European customs duties on American products. Steel and aluminum are the first aims, but the automobile and semiconductors are not to be outdone.
Faced with this offensive, should Europe bend or counterattack? The reactions diverge. Ursula von der Leyen calls for A calculated responsewithout nostalgia for a overwhelming world. Emmanuel Macron wants to be firmer:
“” If we are attacked, we will have to be respected. »»
The economic consequences could be heavy:
- Automobile: 25 %taxes, threatens for thousands of jobs;
- Pharmaceutical: Impact on export and drug prices;
- Steel and aluminum: return of commercial barriers;
- Semiconductors: a weakened strategic sector;
- European growth: a predictable slowdown.
Christine Anderson, German MEP, however welcomes Trump's strategy:
“” He shows us the way. Rather than lament, let's follow his example. »»
So, should Europe be inspired by American protectionism or retaliate with its own weapons?
A commercial crisis that could reshape Europe
Louis Duclos, political analyst, sees in this crisis an opportunity: ” Europe is advancing in crises, it's time or never to get away ». According to him, Trump's threats could be there'electroshock necessary for the EU to finally take its destiny in hand. Between Putin's pressure in the east and Trump's brutality in the west, Europe can no longer be content to dream of eternal peace.
But still need a political will. Will she succeed in going beyond her internal divisions to impose a strong commercial policy? Will Brussels be able to withstand American pressures? If Trump imposes his taxes, will the European response be up to par?
Thus, on the one hand, Trump imposes his law and crushes his partners, while Elon Musk advocates a “mega” (Make Europe Great Again). Two diametrically opposed visions, even though several European countries are crumbling under debt. Will Europe will be able to overcome this new test and trace its own path?
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