Trump’s ‘America First’ Policy Has Lost Confidence of the European Union 🇪🇺

Apr 14, 2025 12:32 PM EDT, Mon

EU delivers Donald Trump blow with strategic China decision

Story by Richard Ashmore, John O’Sullivan. April 14, 2025

Europe appears to be shifting its gaze from west to east, as leaders lean towards China for trade agreements rather than aligning with President Donald Trump of the United States, with the news coming just days after China’s huge economic decision that was described as an ‘act of hybrid warfare’ and described as an ‘act of hybrid warfare’ and designed to ‘punish Trump.’

Euronews has reported that following President Trump’s infamous “reciprocal tariffs” - which China responded to with huge tariff hikes on certain goods - speech at the White House earlier this month, the first call made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was to China.

The European Commission, which had previously provided President Trump a stern warning over his tariffs, issued an official statement saying: “In response to the widespread disruption caused by the US tariffs, President von der Leyen stressed the responsibility of Europe and China, as two of the world’s largest markets, to support a strong reformed trading system, free, fair and founded on a level playing field.

The shift in focus comes after Trump was slammed for saying that Putin’s latest attack on Ukraine which killed 34, including two children, was a ‘mistake’.

China responded warmly, stating, “China is ready to work with the European side to promote the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.”

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, a deal was being negotiated to resolve a long-standing issue in trade relations between China and Europe, as EU leaders grow increasingly eager to stimulate trade.

On Friday night, it was revealed by the EU Commission that during discussions with China, a significant concession had been agreed upon to explore solutions to the block on imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles, potentially through the introduction of a minimum pricing initiative.

An insider told Euronews: “The EU wants and needs to be seen as a reliable partner in the world. “In response to the widespread disruption caused by the US tariffs, President von der Leyen stressed the responsibility of Europe and China, as two of the world’s largest markets, to support a strong reformed trading system, free, fair and founded on a level playing field.

“Beijing reciprocated with a warm message of their own, saying: “In that sense, the discussion with China is evolving because China is looking at us differently.

“I don’t think the European approach towards China has changed completely, but the winds are moving.”

Meanwhile, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic jetted off to Washington today (Sunday) for conversations with U.S. officials.

This development follows President Donald Trump’s decision to halt U.S. tariffs for 90 days, a move matched by the EU as it agreed to suspend its reciprocal measure.

In an unexpected pivot from his well-publicized tariff policies, the Trump administration announced on Friday that certain electronic products, including smartphones and laptops, will not be hit by counter-tariffs aimed at China.

Consequently, merchandise produced by American tech behemoth Apple, which depends on Chinese manufacturing, will escape the heavy 145% tariffs previously imposed on the Asian nation.

The move seems to signal President Trump’s acknowledgment that imposing tariffs on China will not promptly incentivize the return of sophisticated electronic manufacturing to American soil.

Related Posts