US tariffs 'catastrophe for global economy', says Belgian PM
The new import tariffs imposed by the United States are "a real catastrophe for the global economy", according to Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever. At the same time, the crisis offers opportunities to conclude free trade agreements with new partners, he said.
In the Chamber of Representatives on Thursday, De Wever responded to questions from MPs on the high import tariffs announced by US president Donald Trump. The European Union will face tariffs of 20 per cent.
De Wever described Trump's announcement as "quite unprecedented". He said that while it was too early to put a figure on the economic damage Belgium could suffer, the consequences would be "significant". After its neighbours, the US is Belgium's most important export market.
"Atlanticism is older and greater than Trump"
The tariffs will also have a negative impact on the US itself, De Wever believes. "This is the biggest tax increase on American consumers in recent history," he said. "It is to be hoped that the US will quickly reconsider and come to its senses."
Negotiated solution
He said he supported the European Commission's stance on the matter. "Logically, a proportionate package of countermeasures is expected, but I support Ursula von der Leyen's aim to work towards a negotiated solution as soon as possible. Atlanticism is older and greater than Trump. It is not wise to respond to stupidity with stupidity."
"When a superpower turns its back on the world, Europe must show more than ever that it is open for business"
De Wever said he would convey the same message to US secretary of state Marco Rubio, who is due to visit him on Friday. "I am not naive, in the short term this will fall on deaf ears," he said. "We will have to experience the reality of these tariffs on both sides before people will appreciate the importance of free trade again."
Opportunities in crisis
But he also sees opportunities. "Europe is in this together. It seems to me that this is the perfect time for Europe to assertively conclude free trade agreements with new partners around the world who are looking to us more than ever,"he said. "When a superpower turns its back on the world, Europe must show more than ever that it is open for business."
Several parties questioned De Wever about the US tariffs in the Chamber on Thursday. MPs from the Christian democratic CD&V party and the liberal MR advocated seizing the opportunity to conclude new free trade agreements.
Robin Tonniau of the far-left PVDA-PTB, on the other hand, argued that Europe should distance itself from "American imperialism" and reach out to developing countries "on equal terms".
Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever during a plenary session of the Chamber of Representatives in Brussels, 3 April 2025 © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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