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

Why higher bond yields aren't causing a Mini-Budget meltdown

Why higher bond yields aren't causing a Mini-Budget meltdown

'One thing we know about Rachel Reeves is she will live or die by her fiscal rules'

Laith Khalaf
clock 07 October 2025 • 5 min read
City 'has lost sympathy with this Labour government' - George Osborne

City 'has lost sympathy with this Labour government' - George Osborne

Former chancellor defends the OBR

Michael Nelson
clock 01 October 2025 • 3 min read
Labour remains 'unequivocal in our commitment to economic responsibility' - Chancellor

Labour remains 'unequivocal in our commitment to economic responsibility' - Chancellor

Rachel Reeves was speaking at the Labour Party conference

Linus Uhlig
clock 29 September 2025 • 3 min read