Trade relations between the European Union and the United States have plunged into a deep crisis following Donald Trump's decision to impose new global tariffs. In response, Brussels has suspended the ratification of last July's trade agreement, accusing Washington of unilaterally breaching adopted commitments. Simultaneously, the U.S. Supreme Court has challenged the legality of some tariffs, deepening uncertainty in financial markets and sparking a wave of concern among European exporters.

Freezing of Agreement with EU

Brussels has suspended ratification of the July 2025 agreement due to the USA breaching its conditions.

Supreme Court Ruling

The American highest court deemed the new tariffs unlawful, deepening the chaos.

Losses in Italian Exports

The furniture sector expects a nearly 9 percent drop in sales to the USA.

Global Opposition

China and Brazil demand that Trump abandon unilateral trade barriers.

The decision by Donald Trump's administration to impose new tariff duties has triggered a sharp reaction from EU structures and global partners. Senior European Union officials announced a motion to freeze the ratification process of the August 2025 trade agreement, reacting to uncertainty surrounding U.S. customs policy. Brussels argues that the conditions upon which the pact was based have drastically changed. Christine Lagarde emphasized that clarity of rules is crucial for economic stability, which is currently lacking in Washington's actions. Italy, particularly affected by the new regulations, has already recorded significant declines in exports of kitchen and bathroom furniture to the USA, and the industry fears deepening losses due to tariffs reaching up to 50 percent. Representatives of Federlegno point to risks associated with the weak dollar and uncertainty regarding shipments of goods to America. The history of trade disputes between the EU and the USA spans decades, but the greatest tensions occurred in 2018 when the Trump administration imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum, leading to a years-long battle before the World Trade Organization.The situation is complicated by a ruling from the American Supreme Court, which deemed part of the new tariffs unlawful. Nevertheless, President Trump's administration maintains that existing agreements remain in force, creating a legal paradox. Companies and investors await decisions regarding potential ratification and procedures for the refund of unlawfully collected fees. Global echoes of the conflict are also heard in Asia and South America. China has called on the USA to immediately lift unilateral tariffs, and Brazil's President, Lula da Silva, has appealed for equal treatment of all trade partners. The chaos in Washington leaves Europe in a state of suspension while simultaneously preparing antidumping procedures and support mechanisms for national exporters. „Clarity on trade is fundamental for global economic stability.” — Christine Lagarde15% — is the rate of Trump's new tariff duties Internal polls in the USA indicate growing citizen dissatisfaction – six out of ten Americans negatively assess the president's tariff policy, fearing an increase in consumer goods prices. Despite pressure from the White House for changes in the boards of large corporations, such as Netflix, resistance to the radical trade course is growing both in Congress and among the United States' traditional allies.

Mentioned People

  • Christine Lagarde — President of the European Central Bank, appealing for clarity in trade regulations.
  • Emanuele Orsini — Representative of FederlegnoArredo warning of export losses.