U.S. allies are pushing back against President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, calling them “not acceptable” after months of tense negotiations. From Brussels to Seoul, frustration is mounting as trade partners scramble to protect their economies. 🚨
EU Seeks Last-Minute Deal
The European Union is racing to finalize a trade framework with the U.S. by August 1 but faces hurdles over immediate tariff relief. Bernd Lange, a key EU trade official, criticized the proposed 50% tariffs on steel and 25% on cars as threats to Europe’s industrial growth. 💼 ,The tariffs target our development,” he said.
South Korea’s Balancing Act
Seoul vowed to secure a “mutually beneficial” deal after Trump paused new tariffs on South Korean goods. The country’s trade ministry emphasized prioritizing national interests under President Lee Jae-myung, who took office in June. 📉 Talks continue amid concerns over U.S. trade deficits.
Japan’s Sharp Rebuke
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called Trump’s 25% tariffs on Japanese imports “truly regrettable,” pledging to protect national interests while negotiating. The U.S. tariffs, set to start August 1, also target 13 other countries—with rates soaring as high as 40% for Laos and Myanmar. 🌏
Will these tensions spark a global trade standoff? Stay tuned. 🔥
