EU vs Trump Trade Wars! Is This the End of Free Stuff?!

Hold Up More Tariffs?!

Alright Beast Crew listen up! It looks like the EU and the U.S. are playing a real life game of 'Who Can Slap on the Most Tariffs?' I'm talking about the European Union and ex President Trump. Apparently even after some talks the EU is bracing for even MORE tariffs from the U.S. Seriously can't we just give everyone a million dollars and call it a day? I mean that usually solves problems in my world! But no apparently this is a 'trade war' and not a 'who can eat the most hot dogs' competition. Disappointing.

He Said She Said: Tariff Edition

So basically Trump's been saying the EU is treating the U.S. unfairly and the EU retaliated with tariffs on U.S. goods. It's like when Chandler started retaliating against Monica but more economic (and less funny). They put things on pause for 90 days hoping for some magic to happen. Olof Gill from the EU is like 'We want negotiations not tariffs!' Sounds reasonable right? Maybe they need a mediator someone who can give away a Lamborghini to whoever compromises first.

Talks Going Nowhere Fast

The EU's big trade guy Maros Sefcovic met with some U.S. officials but it sounds like they accomplished less than Chandler's attempts at a career change. Gill said it’s a two way street but it feels more like a one way ramp to disaster right now. Trump's not happy saying the EU won't take our food or cars. Dude maybe we should just offer them a free mansion if they agree to buy our stuff? Works every time for me! Unless you’re Dream then it doesn’t work.

Investigation Time! (Dun Dun DUUN)

The U.S. is now investigating imports of pharmaceuticals and semiconductors which could lead to even MORE tariffs! It's like a never ending game of musical chairs but instead of chairs it's money and instead of music it's economic anxiety. Gill said the EU is ready with countermeasures if things go south. Looks like the only winning move is not to play… but nobody told them that apparently.

Who's Got the Surplus? (It's Not Me I Give Everything Away!)

Apparently the EU has a trade surplus with the U.S. of 48 billion euros. That's a lot of money! I wish I had that much to give away! But hey they have a surplus in goods and the U.S. has a surplus in services. Maybe they could trade surpluses? I don't know I'm just brainstorming here! Let's start a new challenge! Whoever can fix the EU/US trade deficit in 1 week gets 1 MILLION DOLLARS!

Italy to the Rescue?! (Maybe?)

All eyes are on Italy's Prime Minister Meloni who is meeting with Trump. Everyone thinks she is going to save the day but who knows. They share conservative political ideas and also similar views over China so this will definitely be an interesting meeting. Trump might push Meloni on the question of Rome's defense spending as part of its commitments to the NATO alliance. Rome is not yet complying with the coalition's target of investing 2% of its GDP on security. Maybe she will bring him some great Italian food!