<div>U.S. President Donald Trump&rsquo;s announcement of 30% tariffs on European Union (EU) exports has set off a wave of criticism across Europe, with senior political figures and economic stakeholders warning of severe consequences for global trade, industry competitiveness, and inflation control.</div>
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<div>The tariffs, scheduled to take effect on August 1, have been framed by Trump as a necessary reprimand to what he describes as &ldquo;non reciprocal&rdquo; trade relations between the U.S. and the EU. The move comes despite ongoing negotiations aimed at de-escalating trade tensions between the two economic powers.</div>
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<div><strong>EU Denounces Tariffs as Destabilizing and Unjustified</strong></div>
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<div>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the decision deeply disruptive, warning that the tariffs could &ldquo;fracture essential supply chains that underpin industries, consumers, and even medical systems on both sides of the Atlantic.&rdquo;</div>
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<div>While emphasizing that the EU remains committed to dialogue, von der Leyen affirmed that the bloc &ldquo;will not hesitate to act decisively&rdquo; to safeguard its economic interests, hinting at a calibrated response should negotiations collapse.</div>
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<div>The mood across European capitals has quickly turned from cautious diplomacy to outright frustration.</div>
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<div>French President Emmanuel Macron sharply criticized the tariffs and urged the European Union to fast track counter strategy tools, including legal and trade based anti-coercion measures.</div>
<div>Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned the announcement as a &ldquo;unilateral escalation,&rdquo; stating that a full-blown trade conflict would &ldquo;ultimately burden U.S. consumers the most.&rdquo;</div>
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<div>European Council President Antonio Costa warned that the measure would exacerbate inflation, threaten economic stability, and stall growth across the continent.</div>
<div>Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala added that the tariffs represent a &ldquo;direct hit to transatlantic economic ties&rdquo; and emphasized the need for unity and firm resolve within the EU.</div>
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<div><strong>Lawmakers Demand Swift and Firm Retaliation</strong></div>
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<div>The European Parliament also voiced anger, with Bernd Lange, chair of its international trade committee, describing the U.S. action as &ldquo;both insulting and unacceptable&rdquo; after weeks of ongoing dialogue.</div>
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<div>He urged EU leaders to implement retaliatory measures immediately, stating, &ldquo;The time for waiting is over. Europe must now defend its trade sovereignty.&rdquo;</div>
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<div><strong>Industry Leaders: Damage Already Underway</strong></div>
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<div>Beyond politics, Europe&rsquo;s largest industries particularly manufacturing, automotive, and food exports are sounding the alarm over the rapid onset of economic damage.</div>
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<div>The German Federation of Industries (BDI) expressed that the tariffs pose a serious risk to innovation, recovery, and jobs, not only in the EU but in the U.S. as well.</div>
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<div>&ldquo;Tariffs as a pressure tool come at a cost to global competitiveness,&rdquo; said Wolfgang Niedermark, a senior BDI official.</div>
<div>His concerns were echoed by Isabel Schnabel of the European Central Bank, who noted the potential for mid-term inflation and cascading supply chain shocks.</div>
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<div>The automotive sector, which relies heavily on integrated EU U.S. production and logistics, is already experiencing a downturn.</div>
<div>Slovakia, one of Europe&rsquo;s leading car exporters, has reported a noticeable dip in orders for third quarter, with its Economy Minister Denisa Sakova cautioning that &ldquo;the impact has already begun.&rdquo;</div>
<div>Relocating manufacturing to the U.S., she noted, is not a viable short-term solution for most companies.</div>
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<div>In Germany, the Automotive Industry Association (VDA) confirmed that the financial burden has already crossed into the billions, a cost climbing daily due to supplier disruptions and import penalties.</div>
<div>VDA President Hildegard Mueller warned, &ldquo;We&rsquo;re witnessing the early stages of a potentially destructive trade spiral.&rdquo;</div>
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<div><strong>Food and Manufacturing Sectors Also Under Pressure</strong></div>

30% Tariffs to be imposed on EU, Mexico; effective August 1, 2025

EU leaders warn US tariffs could disrupt recovery, stoke inflation and spark countermeasures

Trump's 30% EU Tariffs Trigger Strong Pushback, Risk Trade Rift

EU leaders warn US tariffs could disrupt recovery, stoke inflation and spark countermeasures

July 13, 2025 | 16:08 IST