President-elect Donald Trump stated that the European Union (EU) must reduce its trade deficit with the U.S. by purchasing more oil and gas, or face tariffs. He shared this on Truth Social, referencing a $131.3 billion U.S. trade gap with the EU in 2022. EU officials expressed readiness to engage with Trump on strengthening energy ties, particularly as the EU aims to diversify from Russian energy. Analysts note uncertainty surrounding Trump’s tariff threats and their potential impact on inflation. As EU leaders prepare for a more confrontational U.S. trade stance, discussions on transatlantic relations continue to evolve.
