Both parts gave themselves a temporary truce after Trump sharply gave one step back and postpon the tariffs to summer. But the 10 percent basic tariff is still in force, and it is easy for a transatlantic commercial war to explode again.
And even if a commercial agreement is reached, the new suspicion of Europe towards its old ally will not easily dissipate. The study of the European Central bank concluded that even if a tax of only 5 percent was applied to US products sold in Europe, Europeans would incline to reject them.
What is new, said the Central Bank, is the “preference” of European consumers “to totally move away from US products and brands,” regardless of the cost. This happened even in homes that could support the weight of higher prices.
“Although more expensive American products and services could be allowed, they consciously chose alternatives,” the bank said. “This suggests that consumer reactions may not be only a temporary response to tariffs, but indicate a possible long -term structural change in consumer preferences, moving away from US products and brands.”
