Tariffs is the buzzword of the moment—everyone is talking about it, and for good reason. The Trump administration is once again threatening its historic allies by imposing tariffs on European products, forcing the European Union to adapt to this new trade war. In the March edition of Cafè Europa, we explored the possible motives, effects, and reactions from Europe and beyond.
To break it down clearly and comprehensively, we were joined by Patrícia García-Durán, professor at the University of Barcelona, researcher at the Observatory of European Foreign Policy at the Barcelona Institute for International Studies (IBEI), holder of a master’s in European Integration, and PhD in Government from the London School of Economics; and Berta Pérez Pey, Director of Internationalisation and European Projects at the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce.
First, García-Durán explained that Donald Trump is using tariffs not just as a trade tool, but as a demonstration of power, since, in his words, “the United States has been treated unfairly by Europe’s non-reciprocal tariffs.” She also pointed out that these threats may be a way of forcing economic concessions that Europe will not accept.
Pérez provided data-driven insights, comparing Trump’s first-term trade war with the current situation. “During Trump’s first administration, the tariff war pushed Catalan businesses to open new markets, particularly in Japan and Latin America,” she noted.
She also analysed which countries and sectors are most vulnerable today. The representative from the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce outlined how Catalonia’s trade relationship with the U.S. stands today, how tariffs could shrink Catalonia’s GDP annually, and what strategies businesses can adopt to mitigate the impact.
A crucial question was whether the EU is prepared to withstand this aggressive stance. While Pérez Pey believes Brussels lacks strength, García-Durán expressed confidence that Europe has been preparing extensively and will know how to respond. “The EU will not bend because, in trade, we speak with one voice and we are strong,” García-Durán asserted.
In response to a question from Dolors Camats on how this trade war might affect ordinary citizens, García-Durán was blunt: “We will be poorer for a few years.” Pérez added that the appreciation of the dollar and consumer boycotts will further complicate the situation.
