Trade tensions between Washington and the European Union are escalating after Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff.

The European Union has expressed concern over the recent escalation in trade disputes with the United States in response to President Donald Trump's threat to impose a 50% tariff on European imports, describing the move as "harmful to reaching a fair agreement."

This came during a call between European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and his American counterparts, Trade Representative Jameson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, where Šefčovič emphasized that "the European Union is fully engaged and committed to reaching an agreement that serves the interests of both parties," stressing that "trade relations between the two sides should be based on mutual respect, not threats."

He further stated via "X": "We are prepared to defend our interests," indicating the possibility of retaliatory measures if Washington carries out its threats.

This escalation follows Trump's announcement of his intention to raise tariffs to 50%, compared to the 20% temporarily imposed last April before being suspended to resume negotiations.

The American president also posted scathing criticisms on "Truth Social" of what he called "non-tariff barriers" hindering fair trade, expressing his frustration with the U.S. trade deficit with the European Union and other partners.

These developments reflect European economic concerns about bilateral relations entering a phase of escalating punitive measures, especially amidst ongoing disputes over European industrial support, technical regulations, and environmental standards that Washington sees as obstacles to its exports.

While the European Commission has affirmed its intention to continue negotiations "in good faith," the hint of responding to American threats indicates a more stringent stance, increasing the likelihood of worsening transatlantic trade tensions in the coming months.