U.S. Blasts Europe’s Trade ‘Hypocrisy’ as Legal Showdown Looms
- Lighthizer calls Trump’s tariff moves legitimate, justified
- Talks between the EU, U.S. on hold while conflict escalates
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U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer blasted the European Union’s retaliatory trade measures as hypocritical, increasing the risk of a legal showdown that could shake the global commercial order.
The escalating tit-for-tat trade measures are taking trans-Atlantic relations to a new low, with the U.S. standing firm behind its decision to slap duties on one of its closest allies and the EU refusing to engage in negotiations until those tariffs are lifted. The conflict will likely end up with the World Trade Organization, a move that could ultimately undermine the legitimacy of the Geneva-based organization.