Trade Chief Issues Trump Tariff Warning: 'Almost Impossible'

The European Union's top trade official has warned that U.S.-EU trade could be severely disrupted if former President Donald Trump follows through with a proposed 30% tariff on European imports starting August 1.

Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, said such a move would deeply damage transatlantic supply chains and potentially trigger a new trade war between two of the world’s largest economies.

“Transatlantic supply chains would be heavily affected on both sides,” Sefcovic said, adding that the EU is preparing “proportionate countermeasures” if the tariffs are implemented.

The warning comes as the Trump administration formally notified trading partners—via letter—that the U.S. would proceed with new tariffs following a 90-day negotiation pause. Trump’s stated goal is to address what he sees as unfair trade balances and to protect American manufacturers from foreign competition. In 2024, the U.S. trade deficit with the EU reached $235.6 billion.

European officials are urging continued dialogue but admit that the situation has become increasingly tense. Ahead of a trade ministers’ meeting in Brussels on July 14, Sefcovic described the letter as a shift in tone from the U.S. and emphasized the high stakes:

“We have a huge responsibility for the biggest trading relationship on this planet,” he said.

Trump’s proposed tariffs would impact a wide range of European products—including French cheeses, Italian leather, German electronics, and Spanish pharmaceuticals—raising concerns about inflation and economic instability across Europe.

Despite the pressure, Brussels has decided to delay any retaliatory tariffs until the end of July in hopes of reaching a last-minute deal. But EU officials made it clear they’re ready to respond if necessary.

Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen summed up the bloc’s approach:

“We shouldn’t impose countermeasures at this stage, but we should prepare to use all the tools in the toolbox. If you want peace, you have to prepare for war.”

The next few weeks will be critical as both sides weigh the political and economic consequences of reigniting a full-scale trade battle.