Europe Made Major Trade Concessions to Trump. How Did That Happen?
Europe Made Major Trade Concessions to Trump. How Did That Happen?
Some European politicians are dismayed that the European Union did not drive a harder bargain, but facing the threat of a damaging trade war, officials say they had little choice.
Read the full article on NY Times World
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's claim that Europe made major trade concessions to Trump due to the threat of a trade war is plausible, but the extent and specific details of these concessions require more evidence. The article exhibits moderate bias by framing the situation from a perspective sympathetic to European politicians who felt they had little choice, potentially downplaying other factors or perspectives.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Europe made major trade concessions to Trump.
- Verification Source #1: The EU was meeting to push through an outline of the trade, suggesting ongoing negotiations and potential concessions.
- Verification Source #3: Mentions EU delays trade retaliation on US goods after a Trump tariff threat, implying concessions were made to avoid further tariffs.
- Verification Source #4: States that President Trump imposed tariffs on the European Union.
- Assessment: Supported, but the magnitude of the concessions is not clearly defined by the sources. The sources confirm tariffs were imposed and negotiations were ongoing, suggesting concessions were likely made.
- Claim: The EU did not drive a harder bargain due to the threat of a damaging trade war.
- Verification Source #2: Highlights the large US trade deficit as a key driver of Trump's trade policy towards the EU, suggesting a potential reason for the EU's position.
- Verification Source #3: Indicates that the EU delayed retaliation after a tariff threat, supporting the claim that the threat of a trade war influenced their actions.
- Assessment: Supported. The sources suggest that the threat of tariffs and the existing trade deficit influenced the EU's negotiating position.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 3: EU delays trade retaliation on US goods after Trump 30% tariff threat.
- Source 2: A key driver of President Trump's trade policy towards the EU and its member states – Germany in particular – is the large US trade deficit.