The EU is discussing opposing the US President's tariff threats on Greenland by scrapping trade agreements.
US Treasury Secretary Bensont came out to de-escalate: Everyone should stay calm and wait for developments... Pressuring the US and escalating the situation is the worst approach... All countries should abide by the agreements we have already reached.
The EU has formulated and will soon launch three countermeasures: Trade nuclear option and timeline
A 93 billion euro list of retaliatory tariffs
Targeted strikes on key American industries: The list covers high-value goods such as agricultural products (soybeans, beef), aircraft, automobiles, and technology products, with a total value equivalent to 18% of US exports to Europe annually.
Automatic activation mechanism: If the US tariffs are implemented as scheduled on February 1st, the EU's countermeasures will automatically take effect on February 6th; if the US raises the tariff rate to 25% by June, the EU may also upgrade its retaliation accordingly.
First use of the "Anti-Coercion Instrument" (ACI)
Restricting market access: French President Macron strongly pushed this mechanism, which can restrict American companies from entering the EU market, prevent U.S.-owned banks from participating in public procurement, and impose operational regulations on tech giants like Google and Meta.
If the US and EU fail to reach an agreement before February 6th, the EU's retaliatory measures may automatically take effect. Although both sides retain diplomatic space, this dispute is seen as one of the most serious crises in transatlantic relations in decades.
Bensont's statement, although seemingly tough, actually has a tone of mediation or even a show of strength masking weakness.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1854863468183628/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.