US - EU heated argument over tariffs, 'China watches and laughs'

The trade war between the US and its EU partners continues to escalate, with a senior EU official saying China is benefiting from the bloc’s trade war with Washington.

US Vice President JD Vance speaks at the vice president's residence in Washington DC, US on March 12 - Photo: REUTERS

According to Reuters, the trade war between the US and the European Union (EU) continues to intensify as the two sides continue to retaliate with tariffs.

While the US defends its tough stance to reshape supply chains, the EU warns that the trade conflict will harm both economies, with China being the biggest beneficiary.

Mr. JD Vance: "The US economy is still strong"

In an interview with Fox News on March 13, US Vice President JD Vance affirmed that the US economy is still "quite strong", although US President Donald Trump's tariffs are causing volatility in the stock market.

Mr. Vance supports Mr. Trump’s tariff policy, arguing that it is a way to help boost investment in American workers by bringing economic supply chains back to this country.

At the same time, he also accused the EU of imposing “unreasonable tariffs” on US goods, and affirmed that the Trump administration was ready to respond strongly to protect national interests.

He said Mr Trump's tariff move was the first time in 40 years that the US had really responded strongly to unfair policies from Europe.

"If the Europeans do something to us, we will actually fight back economically. For the first time in 40 years, we have someone who is willing to stand up for America," Mr. Vance praised President Donald Trump.

Mr. Vance also emphasized that some industries will adjust production quickly, while others need time to reorganize supply chains.

Canada negotiates with US on tariffs but no results yet

Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc (left) and Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne (right) attend trade and tariff negotiations with the US in Washington DC, March 13 - Photo: REUTERS

On the same day, Canadian ministers just concluded a high-level meeting with the US side, but have not yet reached an agreement on removing tariffs on goods imported from Canada.

However, both sides assessed the exchange as constructive and pledged to continue negotiations.

Speaking at the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC, Canadian Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said he and Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc had worked with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, emphasizing the impact of tariffs on the economies and national security of both countries, and affirming the importance of bilateral trade relations.

While no specific decision has been made on removing tariffs, Champagne expressed optimism that Canada is better prepared to defend its national interests in the next rounds of negotiations.

Mr. Dominic also affirmed that the two sides agreed to continue dialogue in the coming time.

EU representative: "China benefits from the trade war between the US and Europe"

The European Union's (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, reaffirmed the bloc's readiness to retaliate against US tariffs - Photo: AFP

On March 13, at the G7 conference in Canada, Ms. Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs of the European Union (EU), spoke about the current trade tensions between the US and the EU.

“Who is standing outside watching and laughing? It’s China. They are actually benefiting from the trade war between the US and Europe,” Ms. Kallas stressed.

Her comments came after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 200% tariffs on wine, champagne and other alcoholic beverages from France and the EU, the latest in a series of tit-for-tat tariffs between the US and the EU.

Ms Kallas said the EU was ready to respond but was calling for restraint, as trade wars often increase inflation and directly hurt consumers.

Trade tensions between the US and the EU escalated after the EU imposed tariffs on $28 billion worth of US imports in response to Mr Trump's decision to impose 25% tariffs on European steel and aluminium. Mr Trump criticised the EU as "the most hostile taxing organisation in the world" and vowed not to back down.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/my-eu-dau-khau-nay-lua-ve-thue-quan-trung-quoc-vua-xem-vua-cuoi-20250314135432997.htm