EU Seeks to Avoid Trade War with Trump by Increasing U.S. LNG Imports
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposes buying more American liquefied natural gas to counter potential tariffs from President-elect Trump.
- Von der Leyen emphasized common interests with Trump, including energy and trade, during a recent phone call.
- The EU currently sources 48% of its LNG imports from the United States, compared to 16% from Russia.
- Trump has threatened to impose tariffs of at least 10% on imports, targeting countries with significant trade deficits with the U.S.
- While the European Commission proposes increasing LNG imports from the U.S., it lacks the authority to dictate purchases by European companies.
- The EU's move is seen as a political gesture to prevent tariffs, reminiscent of past efforts to appease Trump's trade policies.