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EU Unlikely To Follow Trump’s 100% Tariff Proposal
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged the European Union to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from India and China over their purchases of Russian oil. The aim is to cut off revenue flows to Moscow amid the war in Ukraine.
EU’s Response
EU officials have said the bloc is unlikely to comply with Trump’s request. Tariffs are treated differently from sanctions in EU law and require extensive investigations and legal basis before implementation.
Trade Relations At Stake
The EU is cautious about taking action that could harm its trade ties with India and China. Negotiations with India, including a potential free trade agreement, are ongoing, and imposing steep tariffs might disrupt these processes.
Legal And Practical Hurdles
Officials note that, unlike sanctions which can be targeted, broad tariffs require proof of harm or unfair trade practices. They also take time to process under EU trade rules. There is no current movement within the EU to impose these tariffs.
