TA3 | Trump’s Tariffs and the EU’s Response
The United States is imposing broad tariffs that impact all of its trading partners. However, some countries are more vulnerable than others, and their export relationships can be significantly affected. This issue was commented on for RTVS by Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of the EUROPEUM Institute.
9. April 2025
The European Commission’s response is symbolic – it covers products like soybeans, tobacco, aluminum, and industrial materials. These are exports from U.S. states where Donald Trump has a strong voter base, which could have political consequences.
In my view, Brussels’ response is appropriate – based on the experience of Trump’s first term, the European Commission is applying a carrot-and-stick strategy. The “carrot” is an offer to reduce tariffs on all industrial goods, including automobiles, if the United States agrees to do the same. At the same time, the EU is keeping the option to target the services sector in reserve.
While U.S. tariffs are broad and will affect all trading partners, some countries may be hit harder than others. For example, Slovakia is heavily dependent on exports to the United States. However, as an EU member, it benefits from the protection of the European umbrella.
You can listen to the full interview here.
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