Trump shrugs off possible EU food imports block: ‘Let them do it’

PALM BEACH, Fla. (TNND) — President Donald Trump on Sunday indicated he is unconcerned by the possibility of the European Union (EU) blocking imports of certain American food products in response to his tariff policy.

The Financial Times reported Sunday the European Commission will soon explore the move, citing multiple unidentified officials. Items at risk of being targeted reportedly include soybean crops.

A reporter asked Trump for his thoughts while at Palm Beach International Airport in Florida.

“That’s alright, I don’t mind,” the president responded. “Let them do it … they’re just hurting themselves if they do that.”

Trump last week signed a memorandum ordering a “fair and reciprocal” trade plan. A fact sheet shared by the White House says such a plan will “seek to correct longstanding imbalances in international trade and ensure fairness across the board.”

“I’ve decided for purposes of fairness that I will charge a reciprocal tariff,” Trump said in the Oval Office while signing the document. “It’s fair to all. No other country can complain.”

The EU is one of multiple examples highlighted in the fact sheet. The White House notes the union imposes a 10% tariff on imported cars, while the U.S. enforces a 2.5% tariff.

READ MORE | EU vows countermeasures against US steel and aluminum tariffs, warns of trade impact

The fact sheet also says the EU “can export all the shellfish it wants to America,” but “bans shellfish exports” from 48 U.S. states. The White House argues the examples, among others, have contributed to a persistent trade deficit in goods faced by the U.S.

“We’re having reciprocal tariffs,” Trump told reporters Sunday. “Whatever they charge, we charge. Very simple.”

The president earlier this month threatened 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% on Chinese imports. He later temporarily paused the tariffs on Canada and Mexico after leaders of the two countries vowed to take steps to address border security and drug trafficking concerns.

Trump this month also announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports.

A Lending Tree survey found last week three in four Americans believe the tariffs will cause prices in the U.S. to increase. Meanwhile, 44% of respondents indicated they believe their personal finances will be harmed as a result.