Marketplace All-in-One US-EU trade ties under serious strain
Jul 14, 2025
Tensions between the US and the EU escalate over proposed tariffs, sparking worries in the automotive sector. As Europe seeks new trade deals, the conversation deepens into the stakes of global trade dynamics. Meanwhile, China's grip on rare earth minerals—essential for tech and green energy—reveals troubling environmental and social issues linked to mining operations. Interviews shed light on the struggles of local farmers and families, balancing economic needs with environmental protection.
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EU Auto Industry Faces High Tariffs
- The automotive industry comprises about 7% of the EU economy and relies heavily on US exports.
- Existing tariffs of 27.5% on cars and parts impose significant costs that the globally connected industry cannot sustain long-term.
EU Prepares Countermeasures Against US
- The EU is keen to avoid a full-blown trade war but feels blindsided and disappointed by the US tariff threat.
- EU ministers are preparing countermeasures targeting $72 billion in US exports if no deal emerges by August 1st.
Environmental Harm in Chinese Mines
- In Ganzhou, China, rare earth mines have caused environmental damage including landslides.
- Journalists faced intimidation by mining company staff when investigating the impacts firsthand.
