Western Europeans back retaliatory tariffs against US

Survey shows majority in Europe support response to Trump’s tariffs.

Cars are loaded onto ships at BLG Autoterminal Bremerhaven in Bremen, Germany, on April 1, 2025. Photo by Sina Schuldt/dpa

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

A new survey shows that a majority of Western Europeans support imposing retaliatory tariffs against the United States if President Donald Trump enacts new trade restrictions on European goods. The YouGov EuroTrack survey, released on April 1, found that citizens in several key European nations favor countermeasures against potential US tariffs, signaling strong opposition to Trump's economic policies.

The poll, conducted across seven countries—Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden—revealed that public sentiment is largely in favor of retaliation. "If the US actually imposes tariffs on EU goods, the survey found that a majority supports retaliatory tariffs against America," the report stated.

Strongest support in Denmark and Germany

Among the surveyed nations, Denmark showed the highest level of support for retaliatory tariffs, with 79 percent of Danes in favor of striking back at US trade measures. Germany, Europe’s largest economy and a major player in global manufacturing, also showed strong backing for countermeasures. According to the survey, 68 percent of Germans support tariffs against the US, particularly given the potential impact on the country’s automotive sector.

Germany is expected to be among the hardest hit by Trump’s trade policies, given its heavy reliance on car exports. The German auto industry, which includes major manufacturers such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, faces potential disruptions if the US moves forward with its planned 25 percent tariffs on cars and auto parts.

Italy shows least support for retaliation

While a majority of Italians still support retaliatory measures, their approval rate was the lowest among the surveyed countries, standing at 56 percent. This suggests a more cautious approach in Italy, where economic ties with the US remain significant, particularly in sectors such as fashion, luxury goods, and agriculture.

Despite varying levels of support for countermeasures, there is widespread agreement across Europe that US tariffs would have a major economic impact. Between 60 and 76 percent of respondents across the seven countries expressed concern about the potential consequences for the European economy.

European trade fairness questioned

The survey also explored public perceptions of fairness in EU-US trade relations. Across Europe, between 40 and 67 percent of respondents believe that the EU has treated the US fairly in trade negotiations. This contradicts Trump’s frequent claims that European trade policies have been "unfair" to American businesses.

The Trump administration has already announced a 25 percent increase in tariffs on European steel, aluminum, cars, and auto parts. Further duties are expected on semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and lumber, as part of a broader strategy to protect American industries. On Wednesday, Trump escalated tensions by threatening to impose sweeping tariffs on a range of global goods, a move that could further strain transatlantic relations.

European response to US trade war

European leaders have been preparing for potential trade disputes with the US, with the European Commission considering various countermeasures. The EU has a history of responding to US tariffs with its own set of duties, as seen during previous trade conflicts.

The survey results indicate strong public backing for a firm response to Trump’s trade policies, reinforcing the likelihood that European governments will act decisively if the US moves forward with its tariff increases. As the situation unfolds, European policymakers will face mounting pressure to protect key industries while maintaining stable trade relations with the US.

With economic tensions rising, the coming months could see a significant shift in global trade dynamics, with Europe positioning itself to counterbalance US protectionist measures.