Trump Declares US Food Safety Superior: What This Means for the EU and Consumers

Donald Trump is set to introduce new tariffs on food imports starting April, claiming that no agricultural product from outside the US can compete with local goods. This announcement came during his first speech to Congress since returning to power, where he discussed his trade policy and how these tariffs will support American farmers.

Trump expressed his belief that American products will dominate the market, stating, “I love the farmer. We’ll now be selling it to our home market in the USA because nobody is going to be able to compete with you.” He encouraged farmers to take advantage of this change, saying, “Our farmers are going to have a field day right now. So to our farmers, have a lot of fun.”

European leaders are concerned. In an interview, EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen highlighted that some European products, like wines and dairy, need protection from these tariffs. He noted that EU countries could find alternative markets, especially through agreements like the EU-Mercosur deal.

Trump also raised food safety issues, claiming that foreign agricultural products do not meet US standards and can be unsafe. He said, “They’re uninspected. They may be very dirty and disgusting, and they come in and they hurt our American farmers.” This statement challenges the EU, which emphasizes its strong food safety regulations. An EU spokesperson remarked that Europe takes pride in its gastronomy and has implemented strict controls for over sixty years to ensure high safety standards.

The EU is committed to maintaining these standards in trade negotiations. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič reiterated that health and consumer protection will always be a priority in trade talks.

This situation adds to a longstanding trade dispute between the US and the EU that dates back to Trump’s first term. In 2017, the US imposed tariffs on Spanish black olives, leading the EU to challenge this at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Despite a ruling in 2021 that found the US in violation of WTO rules, the EU believes the issue remains unresolved. They have requested approval for $35 million in retaliatory tariffs, keeping their list of potential targets secret but indicating a willingness to take action against politically sensitive products if necessary.

The ongoing tension reflects the complexity of global trade, where local interests often come into conflict with international agreements. Both sides will need to navigate these challenges carefully in the coming months.

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EU Policy,trade,Food safety,European agricultural policy,European Commission,tariffs