Von der Leyen on Trump’s Tariffs: “A Major Blow to the Global Economy, Consequences Will Be Dire”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, warning of severe economic consequences and vowing that the European Union is ready to respond with countermeasures if negotiations fail.

Speaking in a video address in English, German, and French, von der Leyen described the U.S. tariffs as a heavy blow to the global economy.

EU Preparing Retaliatory Measures

“We are finalizing the first package of countermeasures in response to these tariffs,” von der Leyen stated ahead of the EU-Central Asia Partnership Summit, according to Reporteri.net.

She warned that the impact of U.S. protectionism will be devastating:

“The global economy will suffer massive damage, uncertainty will rise, and further protectionism will be encouraged. The consequences will be dire, especially for the most vulnerable countries now facing even higher U.S. tariffs.”

Von der Leyen highlighted the immediate financial impact on millions of people worldwide, warning that:

• Food prices will rise
• Medicine will become more expensive
• Transportation costs will surge
• Inflation will increase

Impact on Businesses and Trade

At a press conference, von der Leyen emphasized that all businesses—large and small—will suffer from supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and increased bureaucracy.

“The cost of doing business with the United States will increase drastically,” she warned.

She also criticized the lack of a clear strategy behind Trump’s tariffs:

“There seems to be no order in this mess. No clear path through the complexity and chaos affecting all of America’s trading partners.”

Europe Stands United

Von der Leyen reaffirmed that the EU will stand firm against Trump’s aggressive trade policies.

“If you attack one of us, you attack all of us. Our unity is our strength.”

She pledged that the EU would support businesses and citizens affected by the tariffs, while continuing to promote fair and rules-based trade as the foundation for global prosperity.

Trump’s Tariff War Escalates

President Donald Trump recently announced a minimum 10% tariff on most imported goods, with the EU facing a 20% tariff, further escalating the global trade war.

Experts warn that these measures could increase inflation and slow economic growth in both the United States and worldwide.