An EU spokesman said the 27-nation bloc, which already buys most U.S. oil and gas exports, was willing to negotiate with the president-elect.

Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on the European Union if it does not buy more oil and gas from the United States. Latest economic warnings Speech by the President-elect of the United States before his inauguration next month.

In a brief post on his “Truth Society” platform, Trump said he told the EU “they must pay for their huge deficit with the United States by buying our oil and gas on a massive scale.”

“Otherwise, it’s tariffs all the way!!!” he wrote.

Trump, who took office on January 20, has threatened to impose high tariffs on some of Washington’s major trading partners, which may have an impact on the global economy.

He said last month he planned to impose 25% tariffs on goods. Canada and Mexico If both countries don’t do more to stop irregular migration and drug trafficking across the U.S. border.

Trump also threatened one Additional 10% tariff will be charged China is the country’s biggest geopolitical rival.

Responding to a question about Trump’s threats on Friday, an EU spokesman said the 27-nation bloc was open to talks, noting that the United States also enjoys a “significant services trade surplus relative to the EU.”

“We are ready to President-elect Trump How we can further strengthen our already strong relationship includes discussing our common interests in the energy sector,” Olof Gil told a news conference.

The EU has bought most U.S. oil and gas exportsAccording to U.S. government data, there is currently no additional production unless the U.S. increases production or shifts production away from Asia, another big consumer of U.S. energy.

According to U.S. data, imports of goods from the EU in 2022 were worth $553.3 billion, while exports to the EU totaled $350.8 billion.

This makes US trade in goods The deficit with the EU that year was $202.5 billion.

Al Jazeera’s Jonah Hull reported from Brussels on Friday that Trump’s tariff threats have heightened concerns in European capitals about a “possible trade war” with the United States.

“What impact a trade war with the United States might have on the already weak EU economy and the political prospects of leaders in these (European) capitals” is also a major concern, Hull reported.

He said there was also no “unanimous plan of attack” among the 27 EU member states.

“For example, are they agreeing to buy more oil and gas? They’ve indicated they’re willing to do so anyway,” Hull said.

“Or are they going to prepare a series of retaliatory tariffs as they did during the pandemic? The first Trump administration? Or maybe combine the two to try to increase their negotiating power? “

This month, the E.U. reach massive trade deal With four South American countries – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay – it aims to create a free trade area covering 700 million customers.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said the deal would build trade bridges as “strong winds are blowing in the opposite direction, towards isolation and division” – comments largely seen as a criticism of the Trump’s threat to increase tariffs endorsed.

Some analysts said the U.S. president-elect’s tariff threats may be a bluff or an opening to gain leverage in future trade negotiations once he takes office.

But Trump has always insisted that the “correct use” of tariffs will have a positive impact on the U.S. economy.

“Our country is losing to everybody right now,” he told reporters this week. “Tariffs will make our country rich.”