Scores he hits with tariffs broadly, we must show that we can hit back, but at the same time signal that we are willing to talk, says Malmström in Ekonomiekot Extra.
The problem is that it's not just going to be about tariffs, but maybe about NATO, weapons, oil, and gas, says Malmström, who was Trade Commissioner during Trump's first term and knows how the negotiations were conducted then.
She also believes that the Americans may try to influence the regulations that the EU has for tech giants, which the USA and American companies like Meta, Google, and Apple dislike. Recently, Facebook and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg complained that the EU is "bullying" American tech companies and he wants Trump's help to hit back.
I think tariffs will come against the EU eventually, maybe not in a big way with 10-20 percent, but maybe on a few products to show that he means business, says Malmström.
Trump's previous term included tariffs on, among other things, aluminum and steel from the EU. The EU countries responded with tariffs on things like peanut butter, juice, and motorcycles.
What do you think?