American import tariffs: Belgium supports the European Commission’s approach

“Logically, a proportional package of countermeasures is being provided, but I support the goal of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to work towards a negotiated solution as quickly as possible. Atlanticism is older and larger than Trump. Responding to stupidity with stupidity is not wise,” De Wever reacted to President Donald Trump’s announcement of additional tariffs of 20 percent on imports from Europe.

Based on initial estimates, the spectacular increase in tariffs would have a negative impact of 5 to 6 billion euros per year on the Belgian economy. The government is particularly concerned about the sectors of chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, metal, and aluminum. Our country accounted for 28 billion euros in exports to the United States in 2023.

De Wever called the tariffs “a real catastrophe for the global economy.” At the same time, according to the Belgian Prime Minister, there are opportunities in a crisis, “It seems to me the perfect moment for Europe to assertively conclude free trade agreements with new partners around the world, who are looking to us more than ever.”

The Commission still hopes to reach a negotiated solution with the American government. The European Commissioner for Trade will speak again with his counterparts in Washington on Friday afternoon. At the same time, the executive body of the European Union is preparing new countermeasures. The first package – the response to the increased American tariffs on steel and aluminum – will come into effect in mid-April.