Trump: European Union is 'almost as bad as China, just smaller'

Fears of trade war

Laura Dew
clock • 1 min read

US President Donald Trump has hinted at a possible trade war with the European Union after referring to the group as "almost as bad as China, just smaller" in an interview.

In an interview with Bloomberg News, Trump went back on his handshake agreement with president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker. The two parties met in July and the handshake was intended to spare the EU from Trump's trade war threats after Trump initiated tariffs on steel and aluminium imported from the EU. However, speaking to Bloomberg, Trump described the EU as "almost as bad as China, just smaller". He has also rejected demands from the EU to eliminate tariffs on transatlantic auto imports, saying the EU's offer was "not good enough".  US stocks jump as Trump ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Burnham to stick with fiscal rules as power set to flow out of Whitehall

Burnham to stick with fiscal rules as power set to flow out of Whitehall

First speech since PM bid

clock 29 June 2026 • 2 min read
BoE's Alan Taylor: Extended interest rate hold an 'appropriately measured policy response'

BoE's Alan Taylor: Extended interest rate hold an 'appropriately measured policy response'

Geopolitics in the driving seat

Michael Nelson
clock 25 June 2026 • 2 min read
Advisers highlight uncertain political and fiscal future after Starmer resignation

Advisers highlight uncertain political and fiscal future after Starmer resignation

Prime minister’s exit places chancellor Rachel Reeves’ position ‘inevitably’ under scrutiny

Isabel Baxter
clock 22 June 2026 • 5 min read