U.S. President Donald Trump said of the European Union (EU), which proposed 'zero-for-zero tariffs,' "The EU has been very bad to us," and noted, "The EU should buy our energy."
According to Reuters on the 7th (local time), President Trump criticized the EU for not purchasing U.S. goods and said this to reporters at the White House.
President Trump's remarks were reportedly a response to EU Chairperson Ursula von der Leyen, who suggested mutual tariffs during a press conference on the same day.
President Trump announced that starting May 5, a basic 10% tariff would be imposed on all imports entering the U.S., and as of May 9, 'mutual tariffs' would apply at a higher rate to over 60 trading countries. The mutual tariff rate for the EU is estimated to be around 20%.
In relation to this, Commissioner von der Leyen stated during the press conference that she has been reviewing a plan since February to not impose tariffs on all goods, including automobiles, with the U.S., and said, "We are ready to negotiate with the U.S." She also noted that measures for retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. will be postponed.
However, President Trump said, "They (the EU) do not buy our cars, nor do they buy agricultural products," adding, "They are practically buying nothing." He also mentioned, "They need to buy enough energy to eliminate the trade deficit."