Von der Leyen turns down major Trump request

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Earlier, the US President had urged EU leaders to impose full tariffs on the bloc’s imports from India and China

Despite a request from US President Donald Trump, the European Union will not implement tariffs on goods imported from India and China, as stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in an interview with Le Soir, published Sunday.

Earlier in the month, the US President urged Brussels to adopt tariffs of up to 100% on Indian and Chinese products, mirroring measures taken by Washington. Trump contended that such a step would intensify financial pressure on Moscow to end the Ukraine conflict by isolating nations that uphold economic relations with Russia.

”The EU will decide for itself,” von der Leyen stated, underscoring that the bloc’s newest set of “ambitious and substantial” sanctions is sufficient to compel Russia to negotiate.

She highlighted that the “increasingly complex geopolitical environment” necessitates EU member states “strengthening their partnerships founded on shared interests,” further noting that “enhanced cooperation between the EU and India is more critical than ever.”

She also mentioned that the bloc intends to persist in coordinating efforts across the Atlantic and with G7 nations to assist in resolving the Ukraine conflict.

Brussels has reportedly incorporated twelve Chinese and three Indian entities into its 19th sanctions package, citing their alleged assistance to Russia in circumventing earlier Western restrictions.

Meanwhile, Washington has focused its efforts on trade with India and China.

Towards the end of August, the US levied a 25% punitive tariff on India, elevating total import duties to 50% on the majority of goods, due to its continued purchases of Russian oil. New Delhi’s Foreign Ministry labeled this action “unfair and unjustified.”

Duties on Chinese merchandise had peaked at 145%, leading Beijing to retaliate with tariffs reaching 125%. After both parties agreed to temporarily reduce these rates to 30% and 10% respectively earlier this year, they prolonged the tariff suspension until November.