Trump Urges EU to Hit India and China with 100% Tariffs – Trade War Brewing?

 Brussels, Belgium – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited global trade tensions by calling on the European Union to impose steep tariffs—up to 100%—on goods imported from India and China. The dramatic proposal is part of a broader strategy to isolate Russia economically, as both India and China continue to purchase discounted Russian oil despite Western sanctions.

Trump, speaking at a private event and in recent trade meetings, argued that the EU must "match U.S. resolve" and penalize those who "fund Putin’s war machine through energy deals." The U.S. itself is reportedly considering mirror measures, escalating pressure on its European allies.

EU Response: Caution Over Confrontation

While EU officials have acknowledged the concerns behind Trump’s proposal, there is no immediate indication that the bloc will adopt such sweeping measures. Sources within the European Commission suggest that the idea has little political backing and would face numerous legal and economic hurdles.

"Europe cannot afford to stumble into a trade war under external pressure," one Brussels diplomat told Euronews. "Our interests with India and China are complex and long-term."

Legal and Economic Headwinds

Trade experts note that EU law requires formal investigations and clear justification for such extreme tariffs, especially when not tied directly to unfair trade practices like dumping or subsidies. Blanket tariffs used as political leverage could violate WTO norms and damage the EU’s credibility as a rules-based trading power.

Moreover, retaliation from India and China could significantly harm European exporters, particularly in Germany, France, and Italy, whose industries rely on Asian markets.

Strategic Dilemma for the EU

Trump’s call puts the EU in a tough spot. On one hand, the bloc wants to maintain a united front with the U.S. against Russia. On the other, European leaders are wary of being seen as an extension of U.S. foreign policy—especially with Trump’s influence on global diplomacy remaining divisive.

The EU is currently negotiating a free trade agreement with India, and relations with China remain fragile amid tensions over technology, subsidies, and human rights.

What's Next?

Analysts say a full-scale tariff move is unlikely but predict the EU may adopt targeted trade measures, increase scrutiny of energy-linked supply chains, or use ongoing trade talks as leverage to pressure India and China diplomatically.

As the EU balances economic stability with geopolitical strategy, Trump’s latest demand may ultimately serve more as a warning shot than a policy blueprint.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.

Want deeper analysis or a breakdown of which EU industries could be hit hardest? Let us know in the comments.

Sources:

AP News – EU’s stance on geopolitical tensions and trade
https://apnews.com/article/747c1ca639f29e545bbd571296307d0e