Finland called on Europe to prepare for a trade war with the United States

The head of the Bank of Finland, Olli Rehn, said that Europe must be prepared for a “trade war” against the backdrop of Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election. Trump announced plans to pursue a protectionist policy and introduce customs tariffs on imports of 10-20%, and in the case of Chinese origin of goods - up to 60%. "If a trade war breaks out, Europe should not be unprepared, as it was in 2018," - Ren said at the UBS European Conference in London, as quoted by Reuters. According to Ren, the possible introduction of import tariffs could have a detrimental effect on the global economy. “A new trade war is the last thing we need amid today’s geopolitical rivalries, especially between allies," he added. The United States in the first half of 2018, during Trump's first presidential term, introduced tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum products from the European Union - 25% and 10% respectively, or 6.4 billion euros per year. The EU imposed retaliatory “rebalancing” tariffs on imports of various goods from America worth €2.8 billion. In 2021, the parties agreed to mutually suspend measures on affected goods and find a mutually acceptable solution. The suspension was in effect until December 31, 2023. The White House announced in December 2023 that the United States would extend tariff quotas on steel and aluminum from the European Union until the end of 2025.