“While a proportional response is being formulated, I stand behind Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s objective to expedite negotiations for a resolution. Atlanticism predates Trump and is far broader than his influence. Reacting to foolishness with more foolishness is unwise,” remarked De Wever in response to President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 20 percent tariff increase on European imports.
Initial projections suggest that this significant hike in tariffs could adversely affect the Belgian economy by 5 to 6 billion euros annually. The government is particularly worried about the impacts on the chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, metal, and aluminum sectors. Belgium’s exports to the United States totaled 28 billion euros in 2023.
Describing the tariffs as “a genuine disaster for the global economy,” De Wever also emphasized that crises can create opportunities. “This may be an ideal time for Europe to proactively pursue free trade agreements with new global partners who are increasingly looking towards us,” he stated.
The European Commission remains hopeful of achieving a negotiated agreement with the U.S. government. The European Commissioner for Trade is scheduled to meet with his American counterparts again on Friday afternoon. In parallel, the European Union is preparing to implement additional countermeasures, with the first response to the heightened American tariffs on steel and aluminum set to take effect in mid-April.
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