US President-elect Donald Trump has issued a warning that tariffs may be imposed on European Union imports if the EU does not significantly increase its purchase of American oil and
natural gas.
In a social media post on Friday, Trump stated, "I told the European Union that they must make up their tremendous deficit with the United States by the large-scale purchase of our oil and gas." He further emphasized that tariffs would be the alternative if the EU fails to comply.
The statement is widely viewed as an attempt to exert pressure on the EU ahead of Trump's inauguration in January. Trump has frequently criticized the US trade deficit with the EU, labeling it as a significant issue.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously disclosed that she discussed US liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports with Trump during a phone call in November. She suggested that the EU might consider replacing its LNG imports from Russia with supplies from the US.
Trump's remarks highlight his apparent strategy to leverage the United States' vast energy resources as a tool for reshaping trade relationships, particularly with nations where the US faces trade imbalances. Photo by Clotee Pridgen Alloc…, Wikimedia commons.
