Washington (EFE).- The President of the United States Donald Trump said on Friday that the European Union would not have to pay tariffs after all, despite having threatened them with a 50% tariff just hours earlier.
He said the bloc would avoid the levy because they would send their companies to the US and build their plants.
When asked at a White House event about his new tariff threat against the EU and his objective in pursuing a 50% customs tax, Trump said that there would be no tariffs because they would send their companies to the US to build their plants.
“I’m sure now the European Union wants to make a deal very badly, but they just, they don’t, they don’t do it right. They don’t go about it right,” Trump said, hours after threatening to raise the 10% tariff on European goods to 50% on Jun. 1, arguing that talks with Brussels were “going nowhere.”
When asked what the EU should do to avoid a 50% tariff, Trump replied, “I don’t know,” and confirmed that it would happen on Jun. 1.
The US President stressed that Europe restricts the entry of US goods, such as cars while allowing European vehicles into the US. He added, “It’s time that we play the game the way I know how to play the game.”
Trump also lashed out again at lawsuits filed in Europe against major US companies such as Apple saying they use this as a weapon and a fundraiser.
“On top of that, they’re using non-monetary tariffs and other trade measures,” added the New York tycoon.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has been particularly critical of China and the EU on trade issues.
After announcing a “truce” on Apr. 9 regarding what he calls “reciprocal tariffs” on Brussels and other trading partners, the EU also decided to pause the activation of retaliatory measures. A few days ago, both sides agreed to intensify technical negotiations to reach an agreement. EFE
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