US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged the European Union to avoid retaliatory actions in response to recent tariffs imposed by the United States. In a public statement, Bessent advised all parties to “sit down, take a deep breath, don’t retaliate,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining calm amid escalating trade tensions.
Bessent indicated that the US does not believe the EU or the UK currently have any significant retaliatory financial measures planned against the US. He expressed confidence that the situation can be managed without provoking further escalation, underscoring a preference for diplomatic resolution rather than trade conflict.
The call for restraint comes as tensions over tariffs and trade policies continue to influence relations between the US and its allies. Analysts suggest that a cooler approach may help avoid a further deterioration of international trade relations at a time when global markets are sensitive to geopolitical developments.
It remains to be seen whether the EU and UK will heed this appeal, or if the dispute will intensify with reciprocal tariffs and economic measures. Diplomats on both sides have called for dialogue to resolve the underlying issues, aiming to avoid broader disruptions in transatlantic trade.