Trump recognises the ‘weaponisation’ of trade, former EU top diplomat Catherine Ashton says
Trump Acknowledges Trade Weaponization, Catherine Ashton Warns
Trump recognises the weaponisation of trade – Former EU top diplomat Catherine Ashton has highlighted President Donald Trump’s recognition of trade as a tool for geopolitical leverage. In a recent discussion with Europe Today, Ashton noted that Trump’s strategy reflects a deliberate effort to use economic policies as a means of exerting pressure on trading partners. She pointed to the administration’s threat of imposing a 25% tariff on European car imports as evidence of this approach, emphasizing the need for European leaders to adapt to the evolving dynamics of global trade negotiations. “Trump sees trade as a weapon,” Ashton remarked, underscoring the importance of European unity in responding to such challenges.
Trade as a Strategic Tool
Ashton described Trump’s leadership as characterized by a transactional mindset, where economic benefits are prioritized over long-term alliances. “He wants to proceed in that manner,” she said, explaining that the EU must now prepare for negotiations that reflect this approach. While she acknowledged the effectiveness of such tactics in modern diplomacy, Ashton warned of the potential risks. “The president views trade as both a dialogue and a means of pressure,” she added, stressing that European businesses must remain vigilant against the weaponisation of trade in international relations.
“Being a transactional president is the way he wants to go forward, and I think that’s how Europe—or any country—has to respond: by trying to work through that,” Ashton explained. “We do have a president that sees the willingness of others to talk about trade as both an important part of the conversation and a tool to weaponize it, to make clear that if we don’t meet his expectations, we can’t expect the benefits.”
EU’s Response to Tariff Threats
Ashton’s comments align with the EU’s broader strategy to counter Trump’s trade measures. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently reiterated the bloc’s commitment to the trade agreement, stating that “a deal is a deal” and that implementation was nearing completion. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has hinted at the EU’s readiness to employ anti-coercion mechanisms, which allow the union to retaliate against unfair trade practices. These tools underscore the EU’s ability to maintain economic leverage in the face of escalating trade tensions.
Ashton also emphasized the need for European unity in trade negotiations. “The more we can work together on trade, the better,” she said, referencing the ongoing conflict over the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway, critical for global energy flows, has become a flashpoint in the US-Iran trade dispute, demonstrating how economic policies can intertwine with geopolitical maneuvering. She warned that the weaponisation of trade could lead to unpredictable consequences if not managed carefully.
“I think there’s a different approach being taken now. It’s much more about raising the temperature rather than lowering it,” Ashton added. “But the European Union has always had a role, a potential role, to play in all of this. Now it’s about finding and working out exactly what that role could be.”
Historical Context and Modern Challenges
Ashton’s insights are rooted in her extensive experience as the EU’s former High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Trade Commissioner. During her tenure from 2009 to 2014, she played a key role in resolving the EU-US beef dispute, a case that showcased the complexities of trade diplomacy. Her current observations highlight a shift in how trade is perceived, with the weaponisation of trade becoming a central theme in negotiations. “The EU must understand that trade is no longer just about goods—it’s about influence,” she noted, reflecting on the lessons of past disputes.
Ashton also called for European businesses to remain resilient amid the threat of tariffs. “We need to maintain consistency during times of uncertainty,” she said, stressing that the weaponisation of trade demands strategic preparedness. Her remarks come at a time when the EU is navigating a new phase of international trade relations, with the US imposing economic pressure and European leaders seeking to balance cooperation with assertiveness. The outcome of these negotiations will shape the future of global trade dynamics, with the weaponisation of trade serving as a defining factor.
