EU and UK Respond to Trump Tariff Threats

European Union member states are urging the bloc to engage constructively with Donald Trump's transition team regarding trade, while also preparing retaliatory measures against potential tariffs he has threatened. EU ministers emphasized the need for a coordinated response if the U.S. imposes new tariffs, recalling Trump's previous duties on EU steel and aluminum. Meanwhile, the UK is likely to align with the EU if Trump initiates a trade war with China, as the UK values its significant trade ties with Europe over its relationship with the U.S. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds indicated that any adverse demands from the U.S. would be carefully weighed against their impact on EU relations. The looming threat of a trade confrontation between the U.S. and China is raising concerns about a potential global trade war, which could disproportionately affect the UK economy. Overall, both the EU and UK are preparing for a complex trade landscape with the incoming administration.