Brussels Sprouts Back
Editor's Note: Well, friends, we made it to the 2nd edition of Evodince On: EU Trade.The feedback and engagement have been wonderful thus far. Thank you!
Brussels: The European Commission is preparing a package of retaliatory tariffs against U.S. goods, following the Trump administration’s sweeping tariff announcement last week. The measures, expected this week, aim to mirror the economic impact of the U.S. actions, targeting politically sensitive sectors and emphasizing “reciprocity.”
At the same time, EU leadership is opening strategic channels with China. Ursula von der Leyen spoke by phone with Chinese Premier Li Qiang from Brussels on Monday, urging closer cooperation on tracking trade diversion and addressing structural imbalances in EU-China trade. Von der Leyen also reiterated that any peace deal on Ukraine must come from Kyiv—not external powers.
Not Bunny: Swiss chocolatiers are reeling from new U.S. tariffs hitting just before Easter—one of their most profitable seasons. The industry faces increased costs, especially for smaller exporters reliant on the U.S. market. Despite the economic blow, the Swiss government has announced it does not plan to retaliate, citing a desire to maintain neutrality and avoid escalation.
Widespread Tariff-nados: According to Spain's El País, global stock markets have shed $10 trillion in value since Trump’s tariff announcement—half the GDP of the entire European Union. Financial analysts warn that continued uncertainty could lead to a broader economic slowdown across multiple sectors, particularly automotive, retail, and manufacturing.
Bear-ly Any Impact: Despite imposing tariffs on over 180 countries, territories, and uninhabited islands, President Trump confirmed that Russia is not included, stating:
“We’re not doing business with Russia because they’re at war.”
The comment, made alongside Israeli PM Netanyahu, has raised concerns about double standards in U.S. foreign trade policy, particularly given ongoing missile strikes on Ukraine.— Kyiv Independent (Ukraine)
Well friends, until Friday, Keep Calm and Carry On,
Leigh Fatzinger
Editor
From Finland
EU to announce retaliatory tariffs on US goods this week - Helsinki Times - 8 April 2025
The European Union will unveil its first round of retaliatory tariffs on US imports this Wednesday, following Washington’s decision to impose sweeping duties on European goods. Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio said on Monday the EU must respond in a united and proportionate way to protect consumers and businesses across the bloc.
EU Spares Bourbon as it Plans 25% Tariffs on Some US Goods - Bloomberg (United States) - 8 April 2025
US-EU tariff war puts vital soy imports at risk - FeedPlanet (Turkey) - 7 April 2025
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From Brussels
Swiss chocolatiers face bittersweet Easter after Trump's tariffs - EuroNews - 8 April 2025
There are two strategic implications that can be drawn from Donald Trump’s decision to declare a tariff war on the rest of the world. One is that he intends to restructure the entire global economy around US interests, destroying the export models of numerous emerging and global south economies and plunging the world into a recession. A second implication is that, under threat of the above, he merely hopes to extract concessions on the domestic economic policies of rival countries that are favourable to the USA and the dollar, but non-catastrophic for the rest.
Switzerland won't retaliate to Trump's tariffs, despite being hit hard - Le Monde (France) - 8 April 2025
The vanilla connection – from Madagascar fields to Swiss flavors - SwissInfo (Switzerland) - 8 April 2025
Evodince Insights and Strategy: Switzerland—a longtime neutral player in global affairs—was not spared from U.S. tariffs in 2025, despite having no stake in the U.S.-EU trade rivalry. Swiss chocolatiers and precision manufacturers are feeling the pinch, especially in seasonal and U.S.-facing markets. And yet, the Swiss government is refusing to retaliate (for now).
Rethink Assumptions: Operating in a “neutral” country no longer guarantees insulation from policy risk. Businesses should evaluate exposure based on economic linkages, not just political alliances.
Plan for New Scenarios: The rules of the global trade game are shifting. Don’t assume logic or fairness—assume volatility. Build buffers and diversification into sourcing and customer base.
Message Your Markets: If your brand or organization is impacted by tariffs, acknowledge it transparently. If it’s not, highlight it proactively to capture shaken customers or partners looking for stable pricing (or stability in general).
Read the Launch Announcement for Evodince On: EU Trade - Evodince Media (Austria) - 7 April 2025
From Spain
The tariff bomb wipes out $10 trillion in stock market value, half of the EU’s entire GDP - El Pais - 8 April 2025
Without trade negotiations or concessions on the horizon, the market seems headed for more jitters and instability, a scenario with an end-of-an-era feel that is being echoed in investment banking reports. “Investors must now confront the possibility that Pax Americana (American peace, in Latin), an era of relative stability and global order under the influence of the United States after World War II, is coming to an end,” reported Muzinich & Co., an investment firm whose CEO was Undersecretary of the Treasury in Trump’s first term.
US did not impose tariffs on Russia 'because we're not doing business,' Trump says- Kyiv Independent (Ukraine) - 8 April 2025
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From Belgium
EU’s Von der Leyen talks to China’s Li Qiang on tariffs - Brussels Morning - 8 April 2025
Ursula von der Leyen expressed that the EU values China’s ongoing and broader outreach to the global community and has no plan to sever ties with China. She expressed her readiness to collaborate with China in enhancing dialogue and communication, intensifying cooperation on issues such as climate change and World Trade Organization reforms, fostering people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and advancing the evolution of EU-China relations.
EU frets over flood of Chinese imports as Trump stokes tariff war - South China Morning Post (China) - 7 April 2025
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