As Donald Trump prepares to assume office as the next US President, his rhetoric takes another sharp turn, this time targeting the European Union. In his latest remarks, Trump issued a warning to the EU, demanding a reduction in what he described as a 'tremendous' trade imbalance with the United States, signalling potential consequences if his concerns are not addressed.

Trump urged the European Union to address its trade deficit with the United States by purchasing US oil and gas, warning of steep tariffs if they fail to comply. Writing on Truth Social, he emphasised, "Otherwise, it is TARIFFS all the way!"

“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 - Otherwise, it is TARIFFS all the way,” said Trump in a post on Truth Social. 

Trump's statement reflects his economic agenda as he targets trade deficits, threatening tariffs on China and US allies like Europe, Canada, and Mexico to bolster US manufacturing. As the world's top crude oil producer and major LNG exporter, the US has seen rising European demand for LNG, particularly after the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted Russian gas supplies.

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EU Stands Ready As Trump Signals Possible Trade Offensive

Since Donald Trump's election victory, EU officials have been preparing for a potential trade offensive. The bloc was blindsided in 2017 when Trump imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminium citing national security. Since then, the EU has revamped its trade policies, equipping itself with tools to counter coercive measures.

Donald Trump has also pledged to impose tariffs on all exports from Canada, Mexico, and China to the US, using trade as leverage to curb migration and drug trafficking ahead of his potential second presidential term.

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