- President Donald Trump has threatened to levy a tax on European car imports into the US if European officials impose tax hikes on American companies.
- The European Union has sharply condemned Trump's plan to impose a 10% tariff on steel imports and 25% on aluminum.
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Trump threatens to tax European cars after EU leader calls planned US tariffs 'stupid'
President Trump threatened to levy a tax on European car imports into the US if European officials wage tax hikes on American companies.
"Instead of providing a solution, this move can only aggravate matters," Juncker said in a statement Thursday. "The EU has been a close US ally for decades. We will not sit idly while our industry is hit with unfair measures that put thousands of European jobs at risk. I had the occasion to say that the EU would react adequately and that's what we will do."
Juncker lashed out again on Friday, saying "this is basically a stupid process," warning that the EU will now impose tariffs on motorcycles, blue jeans, and Bourbon.
A group of US industry leaders, who joined Trump at the White House during his announcement, defended the move.
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"Having been somebody that has global views and believes in free trade, we know when it's completely unfair," said Dave Burritt, the CEO of the US Steel Corporation. "We are not protectionists. We want a level playing field. It's for our employees to support our customers."
But business leaders in other countries, including Canada, Mexico, and Brazil, condemned Trump's announcement.
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