U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Friday that the European Union may face tariffs if the bloc does not cut its growing deficit with the United States by making large oil and gas trades with the world's largest economy.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Friday that the European Union may face tariffs if the bloc does not cut its growing deficit with the United States by making large oil and gas trades with the world's largest economy.
The EU is already buying the lion's share of U.S. oil and gas exports, according to U.S. government data, and no additional volumes are currently available unless the United States increases output or volumes are re-routed from Asia - another big consumer of U.S. energy.
"I told the European Union that they must make up their tremendous deficit with the United States by the large scale purchase of our oil and gas," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
"Otherwise, it is TARIFFS all the way!!!," he added.
The European Commission said it was ready to discuss with the president-elect how to strengthen an already strong relationship, including in the energy sector.
"The EU is committed to phasing out energy imports from Russia and diversifying our sources of supply," a spokesperson said.
The United States already supplied 47% of the European Union's LNG imports and 17% of its oil imports in the first quarter of 2024, according to data from EU statistics office Eurostat.
Trump has vowed to impose tariffs on most if not all imports, and said Europe would pay a heavy price for having run a large trade surplus with the U.S. for decades.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted the U.S. trade deficit for goods, but not trade as a whole.
Most European oil refiners and gas firms are private and the governments have no say on where the purchases are coming from unless authorities impose sanctions or tariffs. The owners usually buy their resources based on price and efficiencies.
The EU’s increased reliance on U.S. energy followed sanctions imposed on Russia after starting war in Ukraine in 2022, further shifting the bloc’s energy trade dynamics.
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Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have reached a historic border agreement, potentially ending a century-long dispute. The deal, hailed as a breakthrough, covers delimitation, water, and infrastructure issues. If finalized, it could ease tensions and support political, economic, and social cooperation.
The U.S. and Ukraine are close to finalizing a deal granting the U.S. mineral rights in exchange for military aid, according to Wall Street Journal.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
A tragic crowd crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 dead and 10 injured as thousands of people, many heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, attempted to board delayed trains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of overcrowding at public transportation hubs in India.
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Berlin, February 21, 2025 – German citizens will head to the polls on Sunday, February 23, for a snap general election after the coalition government collapsed late last year.
Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have reached a historic border agreement, potentially ending a century-long dispute. The deal, hailed as a breakthrough, covers delimitation, water, and infrastructure issues. If finalized, it could ease tensions and support political, economic, and social cooperation.
The U.S. and Ukraine are close to finalizing a deal granting the U.S. mineral rights in exchange for military aid, according to Wall Street Journal.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 22nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have reached a historic border agreement, potentially ending a century-long dispute. The deal, hailed as a breakthrough, covers delimitation, water, and infrastructure issues. If finalized, it could ease tensions and support political, economic, and social cooperation.
The U.S. and Ukraine are close to finalizing a deal granting the U.S. mineral rights in exchange for military aid, according to Wall Street Journal.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
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