La UE busca estrechar lazos con otros socios comerciales ante el repliegue de Estados Unidos | Internacional | EL PAÍS

EU's Response to US Protectionism

Following Donald Trump's imposition of significant tariffs on various countries, the European Union is actively diversifying its trade partnerships. This strategy involves strengthening existing agreements (Mexico, Chile) and initiating new ones (Mercosur, India) to mitigate the economic impact of US protectionism. The EU aims to maintain economic stability and reduce reliance on the US market.

Diversification of Trade Partnerships

The article highlights the EU's efforts to expand its trade network beyond the US. This includes:

• Strengthened cooperation with Central Asian countries (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan).
• Ongoing negotiations for trade agreements with India, Indonesia, and Thailand.
• Recently concluded agreements with Mercosur, Mexico, and Switzerland.

These actions demonstrate a proactive approach to safeguard the EU's economic interests in the face of US trade policies.

Global Reaction and Uncertainty

Many of the US's trading partners are adopting a wait-and-see approach, prioritizing dialogue over immediate retaliation. While China has called for dialogue, experts suggest that widespread retaliation would ultimately harm the US economy the most. The World Trade Organization (WTO) projects a 1% contraction in global trade.

Long-Term Implications

The shift in US trade policy is causing significant uncertainty. The EU's approach emphasizes strengthening existing and creating new trade relationships to mitigate the impact of reduced trade with the US. The long-term implications for global trade and economic interdependence are still unfolding.