Trump issues warning to EU over US food import ban – ‘let them do it’

Donald Trump has responded to talks that the European Union may ban food imports from the U.S.

The president was questioned on the runway in Pam Beach today, and gave a brief and direct response when asked about his thoughts on the situation. The questions come after Trump signed a memo earlier this week, vowing reciprocal tariffs against allies and adversaries over what the Trump administration call unfair and discriminatory trade practices.

Trump, who was leaving the Daytona 500, replied: “That’s alright. I don’t mind. Let them do it. Let them do it. They’re only hurting themselves if they do that.”

He continued. “I can’t imagine it but it doesn’t matter. We’re having reciprocal tariffs. Whatever they charge we charge – very simple.

“If a certain country like India, which is very high tariff, if they charge us ‘X’ dollars we charge them ‘X’ dollars. It’s a fair thing to do. Even the media said it was fair. And it’s going to be very good for the United States.”

The European Commission said on Friday that it would react “firmly and immediately” against increased tariffs from Trump. It called the “reciprocal” trade policy, unjustified and a step in the wrong direction.

Trade experts have warned that the potential trade war that the US seems to be waging could result in higher domestic prices for items like food.

According to the Financial Times, the EU will meet next week to explore introducing import limits on US crops such as soybeans and other foodstuffs that are harvested at different regulatory standards.

On the White House website, the fact sheet for the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” on Trade, reads: “AMERICA WILL NO LONGER TOLERATE UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES.”

“The United States is one of the most open economies in the world, yet our trading partners keep their markets closed to our exports. This lack of reciprocity is unfair and contributes to our large and persistent annual trade deficit.”

The president was leaving the Daytona 500 – a 500-mile-long NASCAR Cup Series motor race – today when he was questioned by a reporter. The public noted that Trump only stayed for 11 laps and was not accompanied by Melania.

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