American Allies Want to Redraw Trade Map, Minus US

Facing growing chaos, the EU and numerous other countries are seeking to forge a global trading group that is less vulnerable to Trump’s tariffs

- JEANNA SMIALEK

Trade chaos is forcing America's allies closer together, and further from the US.

And as that happens, the European Union (EU) is trying to position itself at the center of a new global trade map.

The 27-nation bloc learned this weekend that the US will subject it to 30 percent tariffs starting August 1. Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the EU executive branch, responded with a pledge to keep negotiating, and to retaliate if necessary.

But that was not the entire strategy. Europe, like many of the US trading partners, is also looking for more reliable friends.

"Meanwhile, we continue to deepen our global partnerships, firmly anchored in the principles of rules-based international trade," Von der Leyen said.

She will make good on that starting Sunday. Von der Leyen is scheduled to give a speech alongside Indonesia's president. Just as Trump threatens to put hefty tariffs on the Asian nation, the European Union is working to relax trade barriers.