France’s push for strategic autonomy crumbles under Trump’s booze tariffs
Paris goes weak at the knees as another trade rival singles out France’s famed wines and spirits.
Dumping/Duties
No industry, no tanks: EU bets on more clean steel to secure its future
Saving and greening European steel mills is now a key part of the EU’s defence strategy.
EU rifts open even before Trump trade war gets rolling
An early show of European unity is being tested as capitals seek cover from U.S. president’s tariff onslaught.
The Fed’s forecast on Trump’s economy: Slower growth, higher inflation
The Fed chief said “a good part” of a projection for higher prices is coming from tariffs.
Canada’s Carney starts first trip abroad with implicit digs at Trump
The new prime minister dubbed Canada “the most European of non-European countries” while speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.
UK prepares to take Trump’s metal tariffs on the chin
In Britain, “we’re not going to have a kneejerk reaction,” government official says.
US, Canada walk back tariff escalation
The White House said it would not double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum after Ontario agreed to pause new duties on electricity exports to the U.S.
ECB resistance wavers as pressure mounts to seize Russian assets
ECB President Christine Lagarde has reiterated the central bank’s cautious stance, but opposition is growing at the Russian frontier.
Northern Ireland risks being caught in crossfire of Trump’s trade war
Tariffs from any side could create a fresh Brexit headache for traders in the sensitive region.
Sustainable aviation fuel boss wants more EU regulations
Finland’s Neste blames the airlines for not keeping their promise to guarantee voluntary demand for sustainable aviation fuel.
US Commerce Secretary Lutnick says Trump could reduce Mexico, Canada tariffs Wednesday
Lutnick said he did not expect immediate tariff relief for China since it continues to subsidize fentanyl production that is killing Americans.
He wasn’t bluffing: Trump’s trade war sparks broad backlash
He levied sweeping tariffs on key trading partners Mexico, Canada and China early Tuesday morning.
EU slams US tariffs on Canada, Mexico as threat to global trade
“This move risks disrupting global trade, harming key economic partners, and creating unnecessary uncertainty,” says EU executive, expressing solidarity with “close allies” Canada and Mexico.
EU to Trump on tariffs: Go ahead, make our day.
Brussels threatens to use its trade bazooka after President Donald Trump says the European Union was created to “screw” America.
Trump wants Europe to buy more US farm goods. It can’t.
There are insuperable market, phytosanitary and political obstacles — and it could get worse.
Trump indicates Canada, Mexico tariffs will take effect next week
President Donald Trump indicated on Monday that he intends to go ahead with plans to impose a 25 percent tariff on all Canadian and Mexican goods beginning early next week. “The tariffs are going forward on time, on schedule,” Trump said at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is in Washington […]
Merz won the German election. Here’s what it means for Europe.
POLITICO breaks down what the conservatives’ victory means for EU policy and cooperation ― from nuclear weapons to cannabis.
Musk says all federal employees need to explain their work immediately — or be let go
Federal employees received an email Saturday afternoon, and gave them a deadline of Monday night.
Brussels plans sweeping cuts to EU’s green rules, leaked bill reveals
Many businesses would be exempt from complying with sustainability reporting under the hotly anticipated omnibus proposal.
EU warns of ‘immediate’ retaliation against Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
Brussels has strengthened its trade defense arsenal since a skirmish in U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term.
The EU’s strategy to counter Trump’s tariffs: An iron fist in a velvet glove
Brussels has strengthened its trade toolkit since Donald Trump’s first term. But it would need the broad support of EU countries to strike back hard.
Trump sets out process for imposing global reciprocal tariffs
The president tasked top Cabinet officials to study the matter further before deciding on specifics.
Trump rails against UK’s ‘huge’ trade deficit as hopes of tariff exemption fade
British ministers are scrambling to avoid Trump’s tariffs.
European carmakers in crossfire of US-EU trade war
German automakers would face increased costs while already under pressure from heightened competition.
Trump expands steel and aluminum tariffs to all countries
The tariffs build off ones the president imposed during his first term.
Liechtenstein set for first female head of government after election
The Fatherland Union of Brigitte Haas won over 38 percent of votes in the constitutional hereditary monarchy.
The real significance of Trump’s tariffs
It represents another major effort to expand presidential authority.
Trump in ‘no rush’ to talk to Chinese leader
“We’ll speak to him at the appropriate time. I’m in no rush,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
Donald Trump says trade wars are easy to win. Are they?
The U.S. president’s tariff attack on America’s closest allies is unprecedented. Economists say they won’t fix the U.S. trade deficit, restore jobs or raise much money. And people will get hurt.
Mexican president says tariffs will be put on hold for a month
Sheinbaum says Mexico reached a series of agreements with Trump to strengthen border security.
European court slams Italy over mafia toxic waste dumping
The vast amount of toxic waste in the area led to increased rates of cancer, the court found.
EU, seeking to woo Trump, offers to team up with US on China
The EU, the U.S. and Japan already teamed up in Trump’s first term to counter the competitive threat posed by China.
As Trump returns, the EU rediscovers the art of the trade deal
The European Union has clinched a string of pacts after the United States, its top trading partner, flipped into full protectionist mode.
Trump promised some tariffs immediately. They’re not here — yet.
The president likely hasn’t made up his mind on which tariffs to enact.
Tesla also sues EU over electric vehicle duties
Tesla joins BYD, SAIC and Geely in suing the EU in Luxembourg.
Bloomberg offers climate cash to UN amid Trump cutbacks
The move by billionaire Mike Bloomberg comes in response to President Donald Trump’s move to pull funding for U.N. climate programs.
Navarro says Trump laying foundation for tariffs to come
The White House trade adviser also urged Canada and Mexico to address Trump’s border concerns.
Escalate to de-escalate: How the world will deal with Trump’s trade offensive
The Americas, China and Europe have developed playbooks to react to the aggressive tariffs that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is threatening. Retaliation is inevitable.
Trump vows to create ‘External Revenue Service’ to gather tariff income
Former adviser Steve Bannon called on the president-elect to issue an executive order to set up the agency during an event hosted by POLITICO Tuesday morning.
Trump warns of new tariffs against Canada, Mexico, EU. And maybe Denmark, too.
The president-elect made the remarks during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago.
How the House of Lords could assist in the death of Britain’s assisted dying bill
One critic of the plan in the upper chamber says they may ask MPs “to come back with a better bill that is less dangerous.”
Von der Leyen’s constant power play exasperates EU capitals
Some leaders have called on new European Council President António Costa to help rein her in.
How the British establishment got sucked into a Chinese spy scandal
The prince, the prime ministers and the spy: what we know about the scandal gripping the U.K.
Slovakia in ‘very intense’ talks on 2025 gas supplies, Fico says
Discussions include the issue of transit through Ukrainian territory, Slovak prime minister says.
Here’s what’s new in the EU-Mercosur trade deal
POLITICO brings you the new elements of Europe’s trade deal with South America struck last week.
Europe in the line of fire as Trump threatens trade war with China
Trump’s punitive tariffs would put Brussels under pressure to cut a defensive deal to fend off a glut of Chinese exports.
Franco-German fight over South American trade deal threatens EU rupture
Ursula von der Leyen granted the wish of her native Germany by flying off to seal an accord with the Mercosur bloc. France, which fiercely opposes the deal, is in uproar.
Ireland wants a new government in time for Trump
As Irish election winners tussle for positions of power, Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration adds a sense of urgency in Dublin.
‘A shot at the bow’: Trump puts trading partners on notice
For now, the financial markets are taking the president-elect’s tariff threats seriously, if not literally.
Trump’s trade team lay the groundwork for massive new tariffs
Preemptive efforts to counter expected criticism of tariffs signal an even greater shake-up on trade during Trump’s second term.
UK: We can be pals with both Trump and the EU
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he wants “good relations with all of our allies” — and won’t get into Trump tariff carve-outs.
Brussels’ global infrastructure plan isn’t challenging Beijing — it’s relying on it
EU-funded projects abroad are being built by Chinese companies.
China sues the EU over EV duties
Beijing hits back after Brussels imposed definitive duties of 8 to 35 percent on Chinese electric vehicle imports.
China complains to Prague about EU duties on EVs and asks for help
Beijing has made it clear that it does not accept Brussels’ decision against Chinese carmakers.
Britain’s heading for a showdown with Donald Trump on China
The Labour government insists it’s not going soft on Beijing — but hawks are concerned.
EU opens probe into Chinese e-commerce platform Temu
The Commission will look into whether the Chinese e-commerce company has failed to crack down on illegal products and addictive designs.
EU-China staring match on EV duties will continue — even after they take effect
China has been unwilling to acknowledge that it heavily subsidizes its industry.
French minister to confront China over ‘unacceptable’ retaliatory tariffs in Shanghai
France is callijng for a negotiated solution to put an end to the tit-for-tat trade escalation.
China won’t like the sound of commissioner hearings. Here’s why.
China will be everywhere in the EU’s policymaking machinery for the next five years. Expect more turbulence ahead.
Taiwan’s ex-President Tsai will visit Brussels next week
Her trip comes amid heightened tensions between Beijing and Taipei, while the EU-China trade war flares up.
Germany’s economy goes from bad to worse
Economy Minister Robert Habeck confirms that GDP is set to contract for the second year in a row.
China slaps provisional duties on EU brandy in retaliatory trade strike
Beijing’s move mainly targets French luxury cognac brands.
You could kill the EU, says France. No, you could, Germany replies.
Macron and Scholz clash again over how to counter protectionist America and Chinese power.
Mission Impossible: Germany’s bid to kill EU duties on Chinese EVs
Germany has one last chance to overturn the tariffs at a vote by member countries. But getting the required blocking majority looks to be out of reach — and would be without precedent.
EU country vote on Chinese EV duties delayed
Vote planned for Sept. 25 will now slip, diplomats say, ahead of crunch talks between Chinese and EU trade chiefs.
Chinese trade boss comes to Brussels on Don’t Tax My Car tour
Whistle-stop tour of European capitals by Wang Wentao could end in a tough gig when he meets EU trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis.
Volkswagen is the anti-Tesla and China is to blame
The German carmaker faces a triple threat from China, a lagging EV transition and labor worries.
We don’t want your EVs, Brazil tells EU as trade talks hit crunch time
Attempt to fend off influx of Chinese electric vehicles puts chances of EU-Mercosur trade accord at the November G20 summit in doubt.
EU rejects Chinese proposals to avoid duties on EVs
Offer of price floors or volume caps would not offset the injury caused by Chinese subsidies, European Commission says.
Vance would have asked for new electors instead of certifying 2020 election results
Trump’s current running mate said Pence “could have done more.”
Don’t expect Britain to copy EU and American tariffs on Chinese cars
The UK is mulling an alternative strategy to its allies that could lead to a surge of imports of Chinese EVs.
China decides not to impose tariffs on EU brandy
Announcement will come as a relief to French cognac makers.
China hits back at electric vehicle tariffs with probe into EU dairy
Beijing claims Europe is creaming off fat profits from oversubsidized cheese.
Elon Musk’s Tesla gets lower EU duties on made-in-China EVs
The win for the U.S. mogul comes amid fraught relations with the EU.
How California Democrats learned to stop worrying and love Kamala Harris
The vice president has united her home state’s political class behind her and, for now, silenced the doubters.
The MEPs who actually matter
Here are 11 EU lawmakers to keep your eye on in the new term.
Scholz joins shaky chorus of world leaders sticking with Biden
Heads of state have been peppered with questions at this week’s NATO summit in Washington about Biden’s age and mental acuity.
EU firms up duties on Chinese EVs, skirting Berlin’s pressure
By cementing the duties, Brussels is holding its ground against Chinese — and German — opposition.
Tesla received EU inspectors last week at its Chinese factories
Such an inspection could result in Tesla getting a lower duty than the average of 21 percent on Chinese EV-makers.
German ministers dash to China in bid to escape retaliation over EV duties
Transport Minister Volker Wissing calls duties a “destructive approach” on third visit by a government leader in recent weeks.
Draghi backs French-style trade, industrial policy
Higher trade barriers, more subsidies, and bigger European companies, are all part of the solution.
EU presents China with clear way to avert EV duties — good luck with that
Beijing would have to overhaul its subsidy-driven export model to meet European Union demands.
Top Chinese official visits Brussels next week amid trade tension
EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles are expected to feature prominently in the talks.
China threatens to challenge European EV duties at WTO
European Commission on Wednesday unveiled plans to impose duties of up to 38.1 percent on electric vehicle imports from China.
EU shocks China with EV duties of up to 38 percent
Beijing has threatened to retaliate against European aviation, farmers and spirits makers if Brussels targets its electric vehicle makers with punitive tariffs.
Germany launches 11th-hour bid to avert trade war with China
Germany wants the EU to set tariffs on electric vehicles at a low level to avoid severe retaliation from Beijing.
EU executive may announce Chinese EV duty only after election
Highly sensitive announcement could now come ahead of next month’s G7 summit.
Is the EU already in a trade war with China?
Even if they aren’t yet, things could soon get nastier as Brussels’ investigation into Chinese electric vehicles nears its conclusion.
French cognac makers: Don’t make us collateral damage in EU-China trade row
The French cognac industry says it’s being held hostage to an EU trade probe into Chinese electric vehicles.
How MEPs make millions on the side: Legal advice, speeches and Covid cures
Fresh filings by European lawmakers show many hold outside jobs.
Does the EU have what it takes to fight China on green tech?
If you aren’t sure what the difference is between an anti-subsidy probe and an investigation into foreign subsidies, we’ve got you covered.
Intensive pig farming hogs scarce water in drought-hit Catalonia
Europe’s top pork-producing region is ground zero for intensive systems that devour scarce water and cause nitrate pollution.
Revealed — the next Brexit headache on the Irish border
The U.K. and EU are planning separate systems to tax carbon-heavy imports, prompting familiar fears about the impact in Northern Ireland.
Mexico cuts diplomatic ties with Ecuador after raid on embassy in Quito
Mexico’s president called the raid ‘a flagrant violation of international law.’
Confused Irish voters reject bid to rewrite constitution’s view of women and family
Bid to dump 1930s-era language fails as public dismisses proposed amendments as too weak and open to messy court fights.
Infighting is tearing apart DC’s key bulwark against Putin
The Helsinki Commission is hobbled by claims its Republican director has made against his Democratic-appointed predecessor (and vice versa).
Is a woman’s place in the home? Ireland is poised to decide.
A vote to axe sexism from Ireland’s constitution is in the balance amid pushback from left and right.
Don’t trash European recycling
Step change in EU plastic recycling rates is possible — but only if the European Commission’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation prevents waste from third-party countries from counting against EU recycling targets.
10 ways a second Trump term could be more extreme than the first
From nationwide abortion bans to classroom culture wars, assaults on climate science and political weaponization of the military, his return to the White House could make Trump 1.0 seem tame.
UK’s Kemi Badenoch challenged over Canada trade claims
The government says discussions with Canada are continuing.