Von der Leyen Decries Trump’s Tariff Decision, Warns of Global Economic Fallout

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has issued a critical statement regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose tariffs on imports from various countries, including those from the European Union. She characterized the move as a significant setback for the global economy and expressed profound disappointment in the American leader’s choice.

Von der Leyen emphasized that the new tariffs will have far-reaching implications, adversely impacting millions of individuals and particularly affecting vulnerable nations already grappling with heightened trade barriers from Washington. She stated that such actions contradict the objectives that the U.S. and its allies have been striving to achieve.

In her address, von der Leyen highlighted the inevitable rise in uncertainty that will accompany these tariffs, warning that this could lead to increased protectionism worldwide. She noted that consumers would experience immediate repercussions, including higher prices for goods and a sharp rise in trade costs with the United States.

“There is no order in this chaos,” she remarked, criticizing the apparent lack of coherent strategy within the U.S. administration’s actions.

The European Commission President warned that these tariffs threaten not only economic relationships but also the livelihoods of millions, particularly in developing countries that rely on access to the U.S. market.

In response to these developments, von der Leyen assured that the European Union will not remain passive. She revealed that Brussels is finalizing a package of countermeasures initially designed in response to U.S. tariffs on steel, with additional steps underway to safeguard EU interests.

“We are ready to respond,” von der Leyen asserted, noting that many Europeans feel betrayed by their longstanding ally.

Her remarks underscore the escalating tensions in transatlantic relations, which have been strained by trade disputes since Trump resumed office in January 2025.

The backdrop to her statement includes Trump’s recent imposition of 10% tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico, which prompted sharp criticism from trading partners. Reports indicate that these new tariffs will extend to the EU, impacting vital export categories such as automobiles, agricultural products, and chemicals. The European Commission estimates that European companies could face losses of up to €200 billion annually if these measures are fully implemented. In retaliation, Brussels is considering tariffs on American whiskey, motorcycles, and agricultural goods, reminiscent of the 2018 trade war following U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.

The global response to Trump’s initiative has been swift. The World Trade Organization (WTO) warned in early April 2025 of the potential for a chain reaction, with countries enacting retaliatory measures that could result in a 15% decline in global trade by year-end. China has announced its preparation of counter-tariffs on American electronics and soybeans, while India is contemplating restrictions on technology imports from the U.S. These developments align with von der Leyen’s predictions of rising protectionism, which is set to reshape the current economic landscape.