Trade war: "These are the methods of a thug"

The trade war has begun. US President Donald Trump launched a massive protectionist offensive against the United States' trading partners on Wednesday, April 2.

In the coming days, all US imports will incur a minimum tariff of 10%, with additional surcharges depending on the country. Those from the European Union will face a 20% tax.

The EU now wishes to negotiate with the United States and is considering retaliatory measures. Countries such as China face even higher tariffs: products from China are subject to an additional 34% tax, on top of the existing 20%. Countries exporting Chinese goods as transit ports are also severely affected.

On the French channel LCI, economist Alain Madelin stated that "Trump's methods were comparable to those of a thug who respects no international law".

(MH with MaSi - Source: LCI - Photo: © DPA - Arne Dedert)