European Union in Donald Trump’s global trade war

The article examines the US trade policy reversal during the second term of Donald Trump’s presidency towards neo-protectionism, which contradicts the principles of the multilateral trading system and undermines transatlantic relations. The new Republican administration imposes tariffs and restricts trade flows, following a policy that weakens established global economic practices. This policy, aimed at reducing the trade deficit, national debt, and taxes, as well as revitalizing production in the US, may harm the American economy itself and trigger a global recession. Despite the deep economic interdependence between the US and the EU, the institutions of the Union, along with the leaders of individual member states, are determined to retaliate to safeguard their domestic industries. In this confrontation, compromises cannot be ruled out. The article provides an assessment of the economic impact of the duties imposed by Trump and examines the possibilities and limitations of the EU’s retaliatory measures.