While the #European Commission prepares to impose retaliatory duties on $112bn worth of U.S. exports, major EU corporations are holding backchannel talks with Washington — weakening Europe’s negotiating position.

đŸ€” What’s going on

⚫ Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen, LVMH, and Sanofi are communicating directly with Trump’s team, seeking exemptions for themselves

⚫ Lobbyists for Cognac and Irish Whiskey are pushing to remove alcohol products from the EU’s retaliation list

⚫ Of the potential €95bn in tariffs, Brussels may be pressured to reduce that to just €25bn due to corporate and governmental lobbying

📊 Why business is pushing back

📌 U.S.-based production offers higher margins — no one wants to lose access to the American market

📌 Tariffs on U.S. goods could trigger retaliation, raising costs for European automotive and pharmaceutical exports

📌 Many firms have already shifted investments and production to the U.S.: Mercedes moved GLC manufacturing to Alabama; BMW and Volvo have opened new lines

📍 Consequences

⚫ The EU’s weakened stance could hurt its leverage in upcoming trade talks with China

⚫ The principle of collective pressure — a cornerstone of EU strength — is being undermined

Even LVMH’s CEO Bernard Arnault is personally urging Brussels to compromise: “better a free trade zone than a trade war”

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