this post was submitted on 07 Apr 2025
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Summary

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered a “zero-for-zero” deal to eliminate all industrial tariffs with the U.S., following Trump’s 20% tariff hike on EU goods.

The offer revives a proposal from a decade ago that was nearly finalized under the TTIP — the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership — that was ultimately scuppered by Trump in his first term.

The deal would cover cars, chemicals, and other industrial goods. Trump's tariffs have rattled global markets, with EU stocks seeing their steepest drop since COVID-19.

The EU warned it is also ready with countermeasures if negotiations fail.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 hours ago (1 children)

Why are they throwing him this lifeline?

Let it all burn

[–] [email protected] 8 points 2 hours ago (1 children)

Because it's something the EU wanted and didn't get in the last round. It'll be funny if Trump accepts because it basically concedes that his negotiating position is weaker than it was eight years ago.

I'm with you though. I think a united front from all the countries where Trump imposed tariffs would be more effective at nipping this nonsense in the bud. And I think countries are shortsighted if they don't recognize that the U.S. is becoming a fundamentally unreliable negotiating partner and their approach to negotiating with the U.S. should reflect that.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 hours ago

Great answer; thanks

But Trump is a bully, and if he feels like there is any concession at all he will just double down and bully more.

The best option is to stand up to him with every ounce of strength.

[–] [email protected] 17 points 3 hours ago

"This is the carrot. Take it. You really won't like the stick."

[–] [email protected] 7 points 8 hours ago* (last edited 8 hours ago)

Start with those coutermeasure first.

https://youtu.be/ZXsQAXx_ao0

[–] [email protected] 15 points 8 hours ago (2 children)
[–] [email protected] 30 points 8 hours ago* (last edited 7 hours ago) (1 children)

Why is that embarrassing? Trump offers trade war, EUs counterproposal is tread deal. Much better to all involved... and also Trump most likely won't agree.

[–] [email protected] 41 points 7 hours ago

This isn't caving. This is the deal they originally wanted, before Trump intervened in his first term. Trump will refuse, and then the EU can say "I thought you wanted fair trade" before retaliating. Maybe it's embarrassing for the US.

[–] [email protected] 21 points 8 hours ago (3 children)

I wouldn't be so categorical. Negotiation require some level of flexibility.

If the Americans fail to act in a good faith manner, you can always implement reciprocal tariffs later on.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 7 hours ago

That's the thing. They're not saying they're stopping the retaliatory tariffs. They're still going to implement them, but they're giving Trump an out (which he won't take)

[–] [email protected] 11 points 8 hours ago

Yep this will make Trump look like an even bigger idiot, because he wont agree. So not a bad move at all probably.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 8 hours ago (1 children)

Americans already failed to act in a good faith by applying tariffs without negotiations or anything. What EU is doing right now is caving to Orange bully instead of standing up. As we always do.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 7 hours ago (1 children)

While I am rather sceptical of EU's negotiation approach (I am from Ukraine so I have real life experience with Merkel and russia), with this particular case I think it makes sense to give it just but more time.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 hours ago

Since you're from Ukraine then you certainly also think that we shall give Putin more time, right? :-) You freaking don't turn the other cheek to bullies, it doesn't work, except it encourages them to do more of the same... 🤷‍♂️