‘Tariffs are the greatest!’ Donald Trump goads EU ahead of Juncker meeting | City A.M.

Donald Trump has goaded the EU ahead of tomorrow’s visit from Jean-Claude Juncker, saying “tariffs are the greatest”.

The US President, who has imposed a series of tariffs on steel and aluminium products entering the US from countries including EU member states, is due to meet with the President of the European Commission tomorrow.

Juncker is travelling to the White House in a last-ditch attempt to avoid a full-blown trade war between Brussels and Washington. Trump is already on the brink of one with China over a separate set of tariffs.

But this afternoon the US President showed no sign of backing down.

“Countries that have treated us unfairly on trade for years are all coming to Washington to negotiate,” he tweeted. “This should have taken place many years ago but, as the saying goes, better late than never.”

This was followed up 10 minutes later with an even bolder claim.

“Tariffs are the greatest!” He said. “Either a country which has treated the United States unfairly on Trade negotiates a fair deal, or it gets hit with tariffs. It’s as simple as that – and everybody’s talking! Remember, we are the “piggy bank” that’s being robbed. All will be Great!”

But Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said Juncker was hoping to “de-dramatise any potential tensions around trade.”

Asked whether Juncker would have a specific measure that could prevent the new tariffs, Schinas added: “There are no offers. This is a discussion, it is a dialogue and it is an opportunity to talk and to stay engaged in dialogue.”

Ahead of his bilateral, Juncker discussed the EU’s position with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte – but not UK Prime Minister Theresa May – the spokesman added.