US President-elect Donald Trump delivers a speech at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 16, 2024.
Brian Snyder | Reuters
US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday told the European Union that it must reduce the trade gap with the United States through oil and gas purchases or face tariffs.
“I told the EU they must make up their massive deficit with the US by massively purchasing our oil and gas. Otherwise it will be tariffs all the way,” Trump posted on his Social Truth platform shortly after 1:08 a.m. ET. .
according to American numbersThe country's trade deficit in goods and services with the European Union reached $131.3 billion in 2022. The United States was the largest recipient of EU goods in 2023, accounting for 19.7% of its exports.
Trump threatened to impose comprehensive tariffs on US trading partners Including China, Mexico and Canada A signature part of his presidential campaign — and he continued the narrative as he prepared to enter office.
CNBC has contacted the European Union for comment.
This breaking news story will be updated soon.
