With the clock ticking toward a July 9 deadline for U.S.-led 'reciprocal tariff' negotiations, major economies are doubling down on their defense strategies. From Brussels to Beijing, leaders are signaling they won’t back down without a fight. 💥
EU: Ready for Deal or Retaliation
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen struck a balanced tone Thursday, stating the EU is "ready for a deal" but also prepping retaliatory measures if talks fail. 🌐 "We will defend Europe’s interests," she declared, echoing growing global resistance to unilateral trade demands.
Japan: Jobs Over Tariffs?
Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba highlighted Japan’s role as America’s top job creator, calling investment—not tariffs—the key to fixing trade imbalances. 📈 His remarks followed U.S. President Trump’s threat to hike tariffs on Japanese goods to 35%, sparking concerns of a Pacific trade cold war.
India & China Dig In
India has stalled talks over auto and farm tariffs, calling agriculture a "red line." Meanwhile, China urged the U.S. to "profoundly understand" the mutual benefits of cooperation, as teams work to implement existing trade agreements. 🇮🇳🤝🇨🇳
With days left, one question looms: Will compromise prevail, or will 2024 see a new wave of trade battles? 💼⚖️
