Trump threatens tariff increases: will trade chaos return?

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US tariff policy under Trump: New developments and their impact on the EU and the global economy in June 2025.

US-Zollpolitik unter Trump: Neue Entwicklungen und deren Auswirkungen auf die EU und die Weltwirtschaft im Juni 2025.
US tariff policy under Trump: New developments and their impact on the EU and the global economy in June 2025.

Trump threatens tariff increases: will trade chaos return?

The international economy is booming. US President Donald Trump's current tariff policy is causing considerable confusion and uncertainty as his announced 90-day tariff pause is about to end. How az online Reportedly, the tariff rate cuts were originally initiated to ease trade conflicts. But with a continuing threat of punitive tariffs of up to 50 percent against the EU from July 9th, the situation is getting worse again.

It seems that June could already be the harbinger of a new “Liberation Day”. Companies and investors are watching developments with concern, while the prospect of a compromise between the US and the EU remains in the air. In particular, in May 2025, an agreement was reached between the USA and China that significantly reduced tariffs on many goods - but the dispute with the Europeans still seems unresolved. Stephen Miran, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, is more pessimistic than ever and does not expect a quick solution after the tariff break expires.

The economic consequences

The effects of this customs policy should not be underestimated. The EU could, experts warn DIW, will have to expect a decline in their exports to the USA of up to 50 percent in the long term if flat-rate tariffs of 25 percent are introduced. Sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry and vehicle construction are particularly in focus. Here exports could fall by up to 9.3 and 4.1 percent.

These sometimes serious losses could not only affect the companies directly affected. Many suppliers who work with companies in the EU would also be affected by the negative consequences. The complexity of these relationships makes it clear how complex the effects of such trade conflicts are.

Reactions from the EU

The EU is prepared for the storm. Trade ministers from EU countries are discussing possible countermeasures intensively while the Commission is examining a new offer from the USA. How out ZDF today As can be seen, Trump remains willing to talk, but only under certain conditions. It is a game of concessions and negotiations in which the EU is trying to reach an agreement but also has to prepare for worst-case scenarios.

The mood on the markets remains tense. After announcements about possible new tariffs, stock exchanges worldwide reacted to a noticeable decline. The Dax, for example, recorded a decline of over 8 percent last week. The Dow Jones also experienced one of its worst weeks in years.

Given all these uncertainties, it seems clear: US-EU trade relations are facing a decision. Companies and buyers must prepare for an uncertain future. While some countries may benefit from falling tariffs, others are at risk of rising to the tariff levels set in April, which are 10 percent for all and 20 percent specifically for the EU. The next time will show where the journey goes.