Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed her support for US President Donald Trump’s announcement to pause reciprocal tariffs for numerous countries, describing it as a crucial step toward stabilizing the global economy amid escalating trade tensions between the United States and China.
“I welcome President Trump’s decision to pause reciprocal tariffs. It’s a significant move for stabilizing the global economy,” von der Leyen stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
She emphasized that clear and predictable conditions are vital for effective trade and supply chains, asserting that tariffs act as taxes that negatively impact businesses and consumers. “That’s why I’ve continually advocated for a zero-for-zero tariff agreement between the European Union and the United States,” she added.
Von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s long-standing dedication to fostering open and fair trade. “The European Union remains committed to constructive negotiations with the United States to achieve seamless and mutually beneficial trade,” she noted. Her statements come as the EU works to expand its global trade partnerships and enhance its internal resilience.
She also highlighted Europe’s efforts to diversify its trade relationships, engaging with countries that make up 87 percent of global trade and share a commitment to free and open exchanges of goods and services. “Furthermore, we are intensifying efforts to remove barriers within our own single market. This crisis has shown us that during uncertain times, the single market serves as our foundation for stability and resilience,” von der Leyen explained.
“My team and I will continue to work tirelessly to safeguard European consumers, workers, and businesses. Together, Europeans will emerge stronger from this challenge,” she concluded.
The context of von der Leyen’s remarks lies in the heightened tariff conflict between the US and China, which escalated sharply on Wednesday. President Trump announced a dramatic increase in tariffs on Chinese goods, raising them to 125 percent, following China’s decision to boost its own tariffs on American imports from 34 to 84 percent, effective April 10.
Alongside this increase on China, Trump also declared a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for over 75 countries engaged in trade discussions with the US. These countries, including India, have refrained from retaliating against US trade policies and have sought dialogue through various US departments such as the Commerce and Treasury departments, as well as the USTR.
“Due to the lack of respect that China has shown towards global markets, I am raising the tariff on Chinese goods to 125 percent, effective immediately,” Trump announced on Truth Social. He added, “Conversely, I have authorized a 90-day PAUSE with a significantly reduced reciprocal tariff of 10 percent during this period, also effective immediately.”
This sharp increase follows earlier threats from Trump to impose an additional 50 percent tariff on China, raising concerns over international trade relations further.