The bloc is prepared to strike a “zero-for-zero tariffs” settlement for industrial items, the EU Fee head has mentioned
Brussels is prepared to barter a brand new settlement on tariffs with the US, European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen has mentioned. The assertion comes after US President Donald Trump slapped the bloc with a blanket 20% tariff that may take impact on Wednesday.
“We have now provided zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial items,” von der Leyen instructed a press convention on Monday. “Europe is at all times prepared for an excellent deal, so we maintain it on the desk.”
The provide adopted a gathering of EU commerce ministers in Luxembourg. In line with Reuters, it was determined that the bloc would prioritize negotiating with Washington somewhat than partaking in a commerce struggle.
The bloc has different measures in retailer if the edges fail to achieve an settlement, the EU Fee head mentioned, with out elaborating. “We’re additionally ready to reply via countermeasures and defend our pursuits,” she acknowledged, including that the EU notably seeks to defend itself “in opposition to oblique results via commerce diversion.”
Her phrases have been echoed by the EU commissioner on commerce and financial safety, Maros Sefcovic, who acknowledged on X that the bloc was “absolutely prepared to barter each time our US companions are” however is continuous its work on countermeasures as effectively.
The Trump administration beforehand launched 25% import tariffs on EU metal and aluminum. The American president justified the coverage by saying it was concentrating on nations that themselves impose excessive limitations for US items.
Final week, the US carried out a levy on imports, starting from 10% to 50%, on greater than 200 international locations it perceives as partaking in unfair commerce practices.
On Monday, the US president acknowledged on social media that the tariffs have been working and have been supposedly yielding vital financial advantages for the US. Later within the day, Trump accused the EU of treating the US “badly,” including that Brussels is prepared to do away with the tariffs now. The president acknowledged that the concessions provided by the bloc weren’t sufficient.
“It’s not solely tariffs, it’s not financial tariffs,” Trump mentioned. The EU authorities “give you guidelines and rules which might be simply designed for one motive that you just can not promote your merchandise in these international locations and we’re not going to let that occur,” he acknowledged.
You’ll be able to share this story on social media:
Supply hyperlink
