The threats by US President Donald Trump to impose 50 percent tariffs on goods from the European Union as of June 1 are causing concern worldwide, including in Austria. Both Minister of Economy Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer and the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) see the best response in unity within the European Union.

Hattmannsdorfer Calls for EU Solidarity
“Trump remains unpredictable — this has been confirmed once again in his latest tariff announcement,” stated the minister in a release on Saturday. “His rejection of a partnership-based solution that benefits both sides shows yet again how little reliability currently comes from Washington. It is all the more crucial, therefore, that the EU speaks with one voice and does not allow itself to be divided.” The supreme goal must continue to be a negotiated solution, “but should Trump take his threatened measures seriously, the EU must finalize trade-policy countermeasures and in particular extend them to tech and digital service corporations, where the USA runs a trade surplus,” demanded Hattmannsdorfer.

IV Stresses Dialogue, Warns Against Naïveté
The Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) remained cautious on Saturday. “We must take these announcements seriously but must not allow ourselves to be intimidated. In a world of increasing trade-policy tensions, we cannot afford any naiveté,” explained IV Secretary General Christoph Neumayer. He too emphasized the importance of a united and determined EU stance as well as a willingness to dialogue. “A trade war has only losers. Therefore it is imperative to avoid escalation and aim for an agreement,” said Neumayer.