Von der Leyen calls Trump tariff pause a step toward global stability
EU sees Trump tariff reversal as chance for constructive trade talks
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise decision to pause sweeping new tariffs on dozens of countries, calling the move a “critical step” toward restoring global economic confidence.
The decision, which reversed a planned 20% tariff on European Union imports, helped rally global financial markets and opened the door to potential new trade talks, reports Reuters.
“Clear, predictable conditions are essential for trade and supply chains to function,” von der Leyen said in a statement posted on X. She reiterated the European Union’s commitment to “frictionless and mutually beneficial trade” with the United States, emphasizing that tariff escalation would only hurt businesses and consumers.
EU Urges Renewed Dialogue, Zero-Tariff Future
Although Trump’s pause on new levies has been met positively, the European Commission president underlined her longstanding advocacy for a “zero-for-zero” tariff agreement with the U.S. — an arrangement that would eliminate duties on both sides.
Last week, Trump had triggered market turmoil by announcing new “reciprocal” tariffs, including a broad 20% duty on EU imports. However, his reversal on Wednesday excluded tariffs already in place on steel, aluminum, and autos — duties that the EU has previously criticized. Von der Leyen did not mention the EU’s planned countermeasures on those tariffs, which are expected to begin next week.
Diversification and Internal Reform Remain Key Priorities
Despite the easing of tensions, von der Leyen stressed that the EU would continue diversifying its global trade ties. “Europe continues to focus on engaging with countries that account for 87% of global trade,” she said, pointing to the importance of open exchange in goods, services, and ideas.
The Commission also highlighted efforts to reduce internal trade barriers, reinforcing the importance of the EU single market. “This crisis has made one thing clear: in times of uncertainty, the single market is our anchor of stability and resilience,” von der Leyen added.
Recently we wrote, that Tesla CEO Elon Musk has publicly and privately distanced himself from President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war with China, voicing concerns that the administration’s protectionist policies could backfire on American businesses, including his own.
