A US tariff policy perceived in Europe as arbitrary and punitive is severely straining transatlantic trust, causing many to question whether Washington is acting more like an adversary than an ally on trade. The unilateral expansion of the “derivative” products list is seen as a direct challenge to the spirit of partnership and rule-based commerce.
The core of the frustration lies in the unpredictable, “ad hoc” nature of the US actions. European leaders like Luisa Santos of BusinessEurope have described the relationship as “turbulent” and the US interpretation of trade rules as “strange.” This is not the language used to describe a smooth and cooperative partnership.
The feeling of being unfairly targeted is palpable. The policy was originally aimed at China, but European industries are bearing a heavy burden. The anecdote of the German motorcycle factory, forced to overpay tariffs due to complex rules, exemplifies how firms in allied nations are suffering significant collateral damage.
This erosion of trust has political consequences. German MEP Bernd Lange admitted it is now hard to convince European workers that the US trade deal is beneficial when they see its negative impacts firsthand. This can weaken political support for the broader transatlantic alliance.
As the US proceeds with another review to potentially expand the tariff list, it risks inflicting further damage on this crucial relationship. The perception that the US is prioritizing aggressive protectionism over allied cooperation is pushing the EU to consider more defensive and independent trade strategies.
From Ally to Adversary? US Tariff Policy Strains Transatlantic Trust
