Title: MEP Bernd Lange Critiques New U.S. Tariffs as “Day of Inflation”
President Donald Trump described the recent tariffs as a “day of liberation,” while MEP Bernd Lange (S&D) termed it a “day of inflation,” highlighting concerns that these tariffs will inevitably raise prices in the U.S. and likely in the European Union as well. Lange shared his views during a conference in Strasbourg on Thursday.
As the chairman of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee and rapporteur for the U.S., Lange addressed the implications of the tariffs announced by Trump on Wednesday. He stated that these new measures would adversely impact producers in both the United States and the European Union, particularly affecting populations in the Global South. “This is truly unfair behavior by the United States,” he asserted.
Lange referenced the American documents underpinning the tariffs, which, he noted, were justified on the basis of European legal standards concerning consumer protection and digital legislation. He emphasized, “This issue is clearly not up for negotiation. The legislation is designed to safeguard our industry and consumers, both within the EU and beyond.”
The German MEP also lamented the inability to engage in constructive dialogue with the U.S. on trade issues. “Unfortunately, the current structure of the U.S. government has hindered meaningful discussions with the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative regarding tariffs and the trade deficit. It’s quite chaotic,” he remarked.
Lange assured that the EU possesses effective measures to respond to these tariffs. The first response is scheduled for April 14, addressing the unlawful tariffs on steel and aluminum, as well as on specific products like fitness equipment and fishing gear. “These examples illustrate that such measures do not genuinely threaten the national interests of the U.S.,” he pointed out.
The second phase of the EU’s response will take more time, as it will require a thorough analysis of the impact of the announced tariffs. “Our approach to remedial measures will be to confine them to the actual damages incurred. We do not aim to escalate the situation further. Our priority is to mitigate the impact on the EU and its consumers, which necessitates a careful and democratic process,” Lange explained.
On Wednesday, President Trump signed an order imposing “reciprocal tariffs” of at least 10% on goods imported from other nations, with a 20% tariff specifically on goods from the EU. This measure is designed to reflect half of the total tariffs and non-tariff barriers imposed by other countries. For instance, tariffs on imports from China will rise to 54%, while those for Japan, India, and South Korea will be set at 24%, 26%, and 25%, respectively.
Although many global leaders quickly reacted to Trump’s tariff announcements, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took over seven hours to respond. In her morning statement on Thursday, she did not disclose the specific value of U.S. goods that would face retaliatory tariffs from the EU. However, she noted that the EU is finalizing tariffs in response to the previous steel and aluminum rate hikes, scheduled to take effect on April 13, and mentioned that the European Commission would impose additional tariffs.
Following the U.S. implementation of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum on March 12, von der Leyen announced retaliatory measures amounting to €26 billion, including the suspension of previous tariffs worth €8 billion. She also introduced new tariffs worth €18 billion, which would impact steel, aluminum, textiles, leather goods, household appliances, plastics, wooden products, and various food items.
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