As Washington prepares to impose new tariffs on April 2nd, a YouGov study indicates that citizens across six major Western European economies support retaliatory measures on imports from the U.S. The poll found that 69% of respondents in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden back countermeasures, with Danish citizens showing the strongest support at 79%, while Italians were the least supportive at 59%.
Although aware of the impacts of a trade war, these countries are willing to exchange blows with the American economy. The effects are expected to be huge, particularly in Germany, where the automotive sector faces a 25% tariff on car exports. Three-quarters of Germans believe these measures will significantly impact their economy. Similarly, 70% of French and Italian respondents expect substantial economic repercussions, with France particularly concerned about potential 200% tariffs on wine and spirits.
Earlier on Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced, “we have a strong plan to retaliate” if necessary. Britain’s PM Keir Starmer, on the other hand, advised his cabinet to stay “cool and calm” and avoid a “knee-jerk reaction” ahead of the April 2nd announcement.
