EU President von der Leyen welcomes Donald Trump’s announcement to halt tariffs

Brussels: In the face of escalating trade tensions between the US and China, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has praised US President Donald Trump‘s announcement to halt reciprocal tariffs for dozens of nations, describing it as an essential step to help stabilise the world economy.

“The announcement by President Trump to halt reciprocal tariffs is much appreciated. “It’s a significant step in stabilising the world economy,” von der Leyen said on X, the previous Twitter platform.

“The smooth operation of supply networks and commerce depends on clear, predictable circumstances. Tariffs are levied as levies that exclusively harm consumers and corporations. For this reason, I have continuously pushed for a zero-for-zero tariff deal between the US and the EU,” she said.

Additionally, von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s longstanding commitment to upholding free and fair trade. “The European Union remains committed to constructive negotiations with the United States, with the goal of achieving frictionless and mutually beneficial trade,” she said. Her comments coincided with the European bloc’s ongoing attempts to fortify domestic resilience and expand its international economic relationships.

“At the same time, Europe continues to focus on diversifying its trade partnerships, engaging with countries that account for 87 per cent of global trade and share our commitment to a free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas,” she said. At last, we are intensifying our efforts to remove obstacles inside our own market. One thing has become evident from this crisis: the single market serves as our bulwark of stability and adaptability during unpredictable times.

“I will keep working day and night with my team to safeguard European firms, workers, and consumers. Von der Leyen came to the conclusion that “Europeans will come out of this crisis stronger together.”

Von der Leyen’s speech is set against the backdrop of a tense trade dispute between the United States and China that intensified on Wednesday. President Trump made the stunning announcement that tariffs on Chinese imports will be raised to 125% immediately. The rise came after Beijing decided to raise its own taxes on U.S. imports from 34% to 84%, which went into effect on April 10.

Trump said that in addition to raising tariffs on China, the US will halt reciprocal duties for more than 75 nations that are presently negotiating trade with Washington for 90 days. According to reports, these nations—including India—have asked for communication via a number of US agencies, including the USTR, Treasury, and Commerce, and have stopped taking retaliatory action against US trade policy.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125 per cent, effective immediately,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Conversely… I have authorised a 90-day PAUSE and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10 per cent, also effective immediately.”

Trump had threatened to levy an extra 50% tax on China, raising the total from 104% to 125%. This dramatic rise comes after his prior warnings. Earlier that day, the Chinese responded by announcing an 84% tax.