The head of the ECB pointed to the suffering of the European market from the volatile policy of the United States

It is still difficult for European exporters to find buyers abroad, including due to the unstable US policy. This was reported on February 26 by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), quoting the words of the President of the European Central Bank (ECB) Christine Lagarde.

"The trade situation remains difficult due to the increase in duties, the strengthening of the euro and the constantly unstable global political environment," she said during a speech at the European Parliament.

The head of the ECB allowed a revision of optimistic forecasts about the prospects for the growth of European exports to the United States in 2026, which previously relied on the possibility of reducing uncertainty in trade policy.

The article notes that, despite the introduction of duties on European goods in April last year, the annual level of European exports to the United States did not fall, but even increased from €536 billion to €554 billion. However, such indicators were provided by a sharp increase in demand in the first months of 2025, when American companies were preparing for the imposition of duties by American President Donald Trump.

In the following months, as emphasized, the level of the flow of European goods began to fall, and the trend will continue if Washington's policy does not change.

Overcome tariffs: US business demanded refund for Trump duties

Will the American authorities reimburse the collected funds and wait for the introduction of new fees

On February 21, the US Supreme Court ruled against Trump's import duties. At the same time, the American leader introduced new global import duties of 10%, and then increased them to 15%.

The WSJ learned on February 23 that the office of the Head of the White House is looking for new ways to impose tariffs. They may affect large-scale batteries, cast iron and iron fittings, plastic pipes, industrial chemicals, as well as equipment for power grids and telecommunications.

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