The EU-US Trade Wars: How Brexit Shielded the UK from the Worst of This Chaos

Would you shell out double the price in April to replace your hair dryer? At that cost, you might as well have a Dyson that could probably dry your hair and walk your dog at the same time.

Would shoppers really spend £40 next month on a £25 bottle of supermarket champagne? Or would they shrug, grab some British sparkling wine, and toast to saving money with a slightly different fizz? And let’s not forget EU consumers — will they cough up twice the price to replace their US-made hair dryers in April, or just embrace the frizz and call it “effortless chic”? These are the kind of first-world crises that might keep us all up at night.

The headlines might initially come across as somewhat light-hearted, but a closer examination of the escalating trade war between the EU and the US reveals the tough decisions looming for consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. Today’s article delves into the latest developments in this intensifying conflict, highlighting the proposed tariff increases on imported goods by both the European Union and the United States. These headlines reflect the chaos that could unfold if the two parties fail to reach a resolution in the coming weeks. Just yesterday, both sides made additional announcements — Washington delivering its message in typical Trumpian fashion, while Brussels responded with its signature bureaucratic tone.

The headlines might initially seem like the setup for a stand-up comedy routine, but the punchline is anything but funny: the escalating trade war between the EU and the US is forcing consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic to brace for some tough choices. Spoiler alert — nobody’s laughing.

Today’s article dives into the latest twists in this international drama, featuring proposed tariff hikes that could make imported goods pricier than a VIP concert ticket. These headlines paint a chaotic picture of what might happen if the two sides can’t stop squabbling like siblings over the last slice of pizza.

Just yesterday, both parties upped the ante — Washington delivered its announcement with all the subtlety of a bull in a china shop, while Brussels responded with the kind of dry, bureaucratic flair that could put an insomniac to sleep.

I begin with former US President Donald Trump.
Below are two posts from Trump yesterday on his social media platform, Truth Social, which he created after being controversially banned from the platform formerly known as Twitter. This occurred during his presidential campaign, prior to Elon Musk’s acquisition and its rebranding as “X.”

The European Union’s Response to Trump’s Tariffs
Brussels has been buzzing lately, and not just because someone left the waffle iron on. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Trade Commissioner, and other officials have been firing off statements sharper than a double espresso.

The Commission has launched a rapid consultation process to finalize its retaliation strategy for President Trump’s tariffs on EU goods. While the specifics are still in the oven, the recipe is clear: a hefty serving of tariffs on U.S. products entering the EU’s Single Market. MY overnight analysis uncovered an eye-popping list of American goods in the crosshairs — looks like Brussels is ready to serve some “freedom fries” back to the U.S. with extra tax seasoning.

The EU Commission is gearing up to slap new, higher tariffs on a jaw-dropping 1,111 US product classifications starting April 1 — no, this isn’t an elaborate April Fools’ joke. Unless, of course, the Trump administration suddenly decides to play nice (spoiler: don’t hold your breath). Initially, it seemed the focus would be on raw materials like sheet steel and aluminum, but surprise! The EU has decided to go full Oprah: “You get a tariff! You get a tariff! Everybody gets a tariff!”

Now the list includes not just raw materials but also products made with aluminium and steel, plus a random assortment of goods that seem to have wandered into the crossfire by accident. While I can’t possibly list all 1,111 items here — seriously, who has that kind of time? — rest assured, the scope is so broad it’s practically auditioning for a world tour. Stay tuned for more drama as we see if cooler heads prevail or if this trade spat turns into the economic equivalent of a soap opera.

Examples of Targeted U.S. Goods: — Mattresses made of cellular rubber — Assorted sets of kitchen knives — Milk and cream with fat content greater than 3% but not exceeding 6% — A wide variety of wines — Flooring panels for mosaic floors made of wood (excluding bamboo) — Women’s or girls’ knitted or crocheted swimwear containing at least 5% rubber thread by weight (excluding synthetic fibers) — Slippers and indoor footwear with textile uppers (excluding those with outer soles made of rubber, plastics, leather, or composition leather, as well as toy footwear) — Electromechanical domestic appliances

Examples of Targeted U.S. Goods:

• Mattresses made of cellular rubber (because even your naps should have a bounce!)
• Assorted sets of kitchen knives (perfect for slicing, dicing, and pretending you’re on a cooking show)
• Milk and cream with fat content greater than 3% but not exceeding 6% (for when you want to indulge, but not too much)
• A wide variety of wines (because diplomacy is always better with a glass in hand)
• Flooring panels for mosaic floors made of wood (excluding bamboo) (for your artistic inner contractor)
• Women’s or girls’ knitted or crocheted swimwear containing at least 5% rubber thread by weight (excluding synthetic fibers) (because nothing says “beach day” like a quirky fabric blend)
• Slippers and indoor footwear with textile uppers (excluding those with outer soles made of rubber, plastics, leather, or composition leather, as well as toy footwear) (basically, the slippers you never knew you needed)
• Electromechanical domestic appliances (for the gadgets that make you feel like you’re living in the future)

Another Brexit Advantage

This newfound autonomy allows the UK to negotiate trade agreements with countries around the globe — basically swiping right on deals that suit its economic Tinder profile. By focusing on industries where the UK has a competitive edge, like financial services, technology, and pharmaceuticals (a.k.a. the brainy kids of the economy), the country can secure deals that fuel growth and innovation. Plus, this flexibility means the UK can pivot faster than someone dodging a surprise Zoom call, staying resilient and adaptable in an ever-changing economic landscape.

President Trump’s negotiating style, as I highlighted months ago, is particularly intriguing — like watching a reality TV show where the plot twist is always, “Wait, did he just say that?” Often likened to a strategy of ‘shock and awe,’ he frequently makes bold, seemingly outrageous demands that leave everyone at the table wondering if they missed a memo. This approach deliberately shifts the negotiation’s framework, altering the expectations and perceptions of the opposing side faster than you can say, “Art of the Deal.”

More often than not, this method proves highly effective, leading to compromises that align closely with — if not surpass — his original objectives. Whether the EU can successfully adapt to this approach remains uncertain, but one thing’s for sure: they’d better buckle up because this ride doesn’t come with seatbelts

Sources: President Trump, Truth Social | The White House | EU Commission Directorate-General of Trade