As possible Trump return looms, EU’s Lagarde urges US to avoid trade wars – POLITICO

With a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, the EU’s top finance official is appealing to the U.S. to avoid the sort of acrimonious trade clashes that characterized his 2017-2021 presidency.

For both Europe and China, the tit-for-tat tariff wars, which reached their flashpoint in 2018, are one of the abiding memories of Trump’s years in power.

Asked about Trump’s repeated threats to double down on tariffs in a second term, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said the U.S. should stay true to its traditions and continue to stand up for open trade, rather than bringing down protectionist shutters.