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The EU's response to Trump's threats was swift and impactful. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz indicated that the EU could retaliate with its own tariffs, while French leaders described the U.S. tariffs as "brutal," warning that such measures heighten economic uncertainty. France's President Emmanuel Macron suggested that recent U.S. statements could inadvertently prompt Europe towards greater unity and strength.
In Brussels, EU officials gathered to discuss their collective response, with many urging that trade wars yield no winners. They articulated a commitment to reach a trade agreement with the U.S. to mitigate the forthcoming damages.