France called a framework trade deal between the United States and European Union a “dark day” for Europe, saying the bloc had caved in to U.S. President Donald Trump with an unbalanced deal that slaps a headline 15 per cent tariff on EU goods while sparing U.S. imports from any immediate European retaliation.
  • Asetru@feddit.orgEnglish
    46·
    12 days ago

    Isn’t Europe like… The bigger of the two markets? Can somebody explain to me why we didn’t just tell him to fuck off and have him eat his damn tariffs?

    • poVoq@slrpnk.netMEnglish
      22·
      12 days ago

      Germany exports a lot of cars to the US. Yes, it is that simple and stupid sadly.

    • Riddick3001@lemmy.worldEnglish
      14·
      12 days ago

      Can somebody explain…

      Two ways of answering this:

      1. I don’t think anyone really can. It’s my understanding that many Europeans citizens and some politicians are really critical and unhappy, and quite angry.

      2. Rational Factors and hidden agenda’s;

      a. At this moment it’s only a principle- agreement, it needs to be ratified; b. this deal is only a piece of paper , like a memo, so who gives a shit, c. Tomorrow Trump will change everything again as he’s unreliable, d. The political factions within Europe were too divided in their stance, and this wedge was used as leverage; e. EU wants USA defence fully committed in NATO as to face the other growing threats; f. Appeasement to avert a Tradewar and International Financial collapse, so they reckon the price of a collapse would exceed the loses ( Damage control); g Don’t forget it’s US citizens paying the Tariffs, not Europeans ; h. Furure commitments of investments in the US, mean absolutely nothing, as we hope that the Dems take control within the next year(s); I. Maybe Europe bought Trump for some symbolic gesture, and in the end, this will prove a smart decision. j. Likely, but an unknown, Trump made some concessions to Europe we know nothing about and isn’t broadly communicated; k. At this moment, the US administration seems to be friends with Europe again, instead of treating Europe like an enemy.

      Probably lots more can be said. These were just my 5 minutes take, today.

    • dalakkin@lemmy.worldEnglish
      11·
      12 days ago

      Maybe he’s using future Ukraine support as a hostage over this. Or something else just to get his deal through.

    • the_wiz@feddit.orgEnglish
      3·
      12 days ago

      The answer is: Military

      At the moment Europe is very much dependent on the US if there is really a bigger conflict on the horizon, and i bet Trump did not hesitate to play this card.

    • syreus@lemmy.worldEnglish
      96·
      12 days ago

      What metric are you using to measure the market? The US GDP is around 50% larger than the EU.

      I’m sure there are compelling ways to make the case either way.