The European Union is gearing up to strike back against President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs with what Politico has dubbed a ’trade bazooka.’ This aggressive countermeasure aims to protect European interests while directly targeting key industries in pro-Trump U.S. states. European officials have made it clear they refuse to be bullied, vowing swift and decisive action should Trump follow through on his trade war threats.
Bernd Lange, chairman of the European Parliament’s international trade committee, emphasized the EU’s resolve: ‘We will not let ourselves be bullied, neither with tariffs nor with threats about our legislation.’ Belgian lawmaker Kathleen Van Brempt echoed this sentiment, stating, ‘Giving in to this bullying behavior is not an option. We must now protect European companies and families from the impact of the American measures.’
The EU’s initial wave of tariffs is set to hit industries that play a significant role in pro-Trump states. Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Kentucky bourbon, and Florida orange juice are among the first targets. These sectors were chosen strategically to maximize political impact, as they are deeply rooted in communities that strongly supported Trump in the 2016 election.
However, this is just the beginning. Additional tariffs could bring further pain to a key U.S. industry: automobile manufacturing. Politico reports that German luxury carmaker BMW stands to be one of the first casualties. The company’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina—a conservative stronghold that voted for Trump in 2016— exported nearly 225,000 vehicles last year. If the EU follows through on its threats, this facility could face severe repercussions.
The EU’s strategy appears to be aimed at not only protecting its economic interests but also at influencing U.S. domestic politics. By targeting industries in pro-Trump states, the EU hopes to create political pressure that could force Trump to reconsider his protectionist approach. The situation remains volatile, with both sides dug in and unwilling to back down.