Returning US president Donald Trump promised a barrage of tariffs on importing countries, but that didn’t happen. So, what can Europe’s F&B sector expect next?
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has said the EU is ready to talk to US president Donald Trump, however the bloc has also made it known there are plenty of export opportunities away from the States.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, von der Leyen did not criticise the new president’s threats of tariffs or his move to leave the Paris climate pact.
She did, however, make it clear that Europe has the “biggest trading sector in the world” and was a “large and attractive market”.
Europe’s response to Donald Trump
Europe is a “you see is what you get” economy and one that “plays by the rules” with deals that have “no hidden strings”.
Von der Leyen made it clear that “Europe is open for business” to the world and looking for opportunities and cooperation.
Also read → Tariff u-turn by Donald Trump or delay?
While making it clear the bloc was seeking new and strengthening existing trading partnerships, it was also ready to engage with the US and “ready to negotiate”, she said.
Links with Mexico had already been bolstered, with a slew of tariffs wiped from EU produce, finished foods and beverages wiped away.
How much does the EU export to Mexico?
The EU exported over €53bn of goods to Mexico in 2023, with around €29bn coming the other way.
Meanwhile, von der Leyen announced talks were taking place between Malaysia and the EU, as she said “geopolitical tensions are escalating, and the risk of instability is growing“.
She added: “While some turn inwards towards isolation and fragmentation, Europe and Malaysia are choosing a different path: reaching out, building partnerships, and creating new opportunities for our people.”
A free trade agreement between the two parties would help bolster the €45bn of goods already traded between the EU and Malaysia.
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