Updated April 5th 2025, 23:58 IST
The billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk has expressed his desire for a zero-tariff trade agreement between the United States and Europe. Musk's surprising statement comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's announcement of major tariff increases on various countries, including a proposed 20% tariff on all EU member states. The Tesla founder made his comments during a video appearance at the Federal Congress of Italy's right-wing League Party in Florence, where he pressed that a zero-tariff situation would effectively create a free trade zone between Europe and North America, strengthening economic cooperation and enhancing trade relations across the Atlantic.
Musk's call for reduced trade barriers appears to contradict President Trump's protectionist stance. As a key advisor to Trump since January and a major campaign contributor prior to that, Musk's comments suggest a divergence in views between the two. Trump's tariff announcement is part of a broader set of trade levies aimed at nearly every country, prompting the European Union to express its preference for a negotiated settlement while also preparing for possible retaliation.
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The implications of tariff policies remain a critical topic for both businesses and governments. Italy's Minister of Economic Development has cautioned the European Union against retaliating with similar tariffs, warning that such measures could have detrimental effects on Italy's economy. As discussions around international trade continue to evolve, the consequences of these policies will be closely watched.
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Published April 5th 2025, 23:58 IST