Donald Trump has issued stark warnings about imminent trade tariffs against the European Union while suggesting the UK might be spared due to his relationship with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The US president declared that while both the UK and EU are "out of line" in their trade practices, Britain's issues could potentially be resolved.
"The UK is way out of line, and we'll see," Trump told reporters upon returning to Washington from his Mar-a-Lago estate.
He struck a harsher tone regarding the EU, describing their trade practices as "an atrocity".
Trump warns 'out of line' Britain may avoid worst of trade war as imbalance could be 'worked out' in major boost for StarmerGB News
The comments came as Trump expanded his global trade offensive, having already announced new tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China.
The president insisted his trade war would be worth the "pain" to create a "golden age of America".
Trump made clear his timeline for EU tariffs was "pretty soon," while emphasising his grievances with current trade arrangements.
"The United States has been ripped off by virtually every country in the world," he said, pointing to widespread trade deficits.
His criticism of the EU was particularly pointed, citing a $300 billion deficit.
"They don't take our cars, they don't take our farm products," Trump stated. "They take almost nothing, and we take everything from the millions of cars, tremendous amounts of food and farm products."
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The president confirmed tariffs "will definitely happen" with the European Union.
His recent actions have already targeted other major trading partners, implementing a 25 per cent levy on Mexican and Canadian goods, alongside a 10 per cent tax on Chinese imports.
While threatening the EU with tariffs, Trump struck a notably softer tone regarding Britain, highlighting his positive relationship with Prime Minister Starmer.
"I'm sure that one can be worked out," Trump said regarding trade issues with the UK.
When asked about resolving differences with Britain, Trump praised Starmer's approach.
"He's been very nice," Trump remarked. "We've had a couple of meetings. We've had numerous phone calls. We're getting along very well."
The comments came as Starmer prepares to become the UK's first Prime Minister to attend an EU summit since Brexit, with a planned visit to Brussels on Monday.
The summit is part of what's being described as a "reset" in UK-EU relations.
The EU has signalled its readiness to retaliate against any new US tariffs, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warning the bloc had "its own courses of action".
European officials have been preparing for this scenario since last summer, developing contingency plans for a potential trade war.
Trump and Starmer will establish the 'special relationship' between the UK and USReutersThese plans initially focus on increasing purchases of US goods, particularly liquefied natural gas.
However, more aggressive measures are also being considered.
According to the Financial Times, EU policymakers could impose duties of 50 per cent or more on various US imports if initial strategies fail.
The EU's stance comes as a direct response to Trump's threats, with the bloc making clear it won't accept "hurtful" tariffs without reciprocal action.
