Last so many weeks this trade war between US and Europe is hanging in the air. A month or so ago, Trump gave a little more time to effectuate the announced import taxes on Steel and Aluminium. But today, Trump really pushed through: 25% tax on Steel and 10% tax on Aluminium. In total, this will effects about 6 Billion of trade value.
Interestingly, with this new import taxes, Trump will hurt several of his own industries. The airplane manufacturers for instance. Did you know, Steel from our own Steel producer TATA in IJmuiden (just 30 km to the west of Amsterdam) produces the highest grade of Steel in the world? A quality level absolutely none of the American Steel manufacturers are able to come close to deliver. And did you know Boeing does require this ultra high grade Steel? And even when airplanes could be build with lower grade Steel, no USA Steel manufacturer produces Steel with the width required for airplanes.
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Airbus will have an advantage now Boeing aircrafts will become more expensive; I look forward to an unexpected increase of orders on Airbus side! But that aside :)
This morning I heard on the radio some US minister (the Trade one) stated his country doesn't want a trade war. And when one starts, it is Europe to blame. In fact, he made these statement just after the announcement the import taxes will become effective. He also said: It is not the US who starts the trade war! What kinda argument is that!?
Seriously! Are the leaders of the US becoming more and more insane? Don't they think they loose their own credibility by making such statements? Or do they simply don't care?
Although I had a strong wish, Europe doesn't have to react; Now Europe must react! Even if this means a dip in our economies. We cannot let Trump do whatever he wants. Yeh, the US has an important position, but with current politics, I wonder how well the economy and society will do in the longer run.
I understand one can play different games to try and achieve whatever one wants to achieve, but the game Trump is playing, will eventually hurt his own people more than anyone else; I'm pretty sure of that. There is always this thing called: Karma.
Fortunately I live in a society much different to the States; a society that is much more moderate and rational; a society that knows how important it is to work together rather than starting unnecessary fights (in fact: fights are per definition unnecessary to start); a society that locks up lunatics... Oops, did I really write that?...
NJOY
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Another superb evaluation should be done by EU decision makers! Congrats👏🏻
It's getting more boring to hear such statements from the US authorities than ever before; destruct the bridges and then blame others for the consequences!
An advice from a friend who believes in mutual respect; EU, namely NL, should start concentrate on Eurasia for new markets to combine technical background with the vast amount of hydrocarbon supplies instead of having a useless argument with the States.
Last point I might add; I don't think that the US makes decisions neither for the common good of its own people nor the rest of the world...
Regards,
Europe is always more moderate when it concerns international politics. Maybe not all EU countries, but EU combined is. I think the EU is already executing on connecting with Asia more and more. In parallel, we simply have to deal with what is happening now, which is (hopefully) short term, and re-establish partnership with the states as well. I think we all have to work together to pave a solid road to lead the entire world population into a new future we still have to define.
🙏🏻
I'd prefer if you didn't judge the entire society of my country by the clown in the White House.
Trump is trying to appeal to his base with this ham-fisted policy. Compared to Europe, the US spent very little on trade adjustment assistance to help people who lost their jobs due to free trade agreements. This happened around the same time they cut the social safety net. A lot of people are justifiably angry.
Granted, this will only make the situation worse and it won't help them. Honestly, it might be good if Europe retaliates. I don't think that American hegemony is good for anyone, including Americans. But frankly, I don't care if a defense contractor like Boeing gets the steel they need. The defense industry in the US is probably one of the most morally repulsive industries out there anyway.
Boeing is just an example. High grade steel is also used in other industry segments by eg Duracell for batteries, Caterpillar for machines, car makers and packaging and bottling sectors.
Now the EU responded with counter import taxes, and the wish to continue the discussions, I simply hope old of this will not escalate and we can forget about all of this soon.