US Unwilling to Negotiate EU Tariffs, Says EU Trade Chief
Maroš Šefčovič expresses concerns over US tariff measures and the impact on European exporters
The United States' reluctance to negotiate with the European Union regarding proposed tariffs on EU goods has been highlighted by Maroš Šefčovič, the EU's trade chief.
Speaking to reporters, Šefčovič noted that despite Brussels' continued attempts to engage in constructive dialogue, Washington appears unresponsive to efforts aimed at reaching an agreement concerning tariffs on steel, aluminium, cars, and other EU exports.
Šefčovič remarked, "In the end, as it’s said, one hand cannot clap," indicating a lack of reciprocity in US engagement.
He pledged to protect European businesses and citizens against what he described as “unjustified” trade measures from the Trump administration, while emphasizing that the EU’s doors remain open for further discussions with the United States.
Starting Wednesday, a 25% duty on all steel and aluminium imports from the EU into the US is set to be enforced, alongside reciprocal tariffs that are expected to be introduced on April 2. Analysts have expressed concerns that these tariffs could severely restrict European access to the US market, potentially redirecting large volumes of Chinese goods to the EU, thereby jeopardizing the continent's struggling industries.
In previous statements, Šefčovič indicated that the EU is prepared to hold talks on a wide range of issues to evade the threatened US tariffs, including possibilities such as increasing purchases of US energy, weapons, and agrifood products.
He also mentioned that collaboration between Brussels and Washington is vital for addressing the challenges posed by China's industrial practices that undermine the competitiveness of both the EU and US metal sectors.
In terms of trade balance, the EU recorded a significant €150 billion surplus in goods traded with the US in 2023, contrasted by a €100 billion deficit in services, according to figures released by the European Commission.
Šefčovič's comments come in the context of a turbulent week for international trade amid escalating tariffs from the Trump administration.
Last Tuesday, President Trump introduced a broad 25% duty on imports from Canada and Mexico, before retracting some of those measures shortly after.
Additionally, last week saw the introduction of a 10% tariff on imports from China, effectively doubling the levy that began in February.
Responses from Canada and China have already manifested as both countries retaliated against Trump’s measures.
Mexico has indicated it will respond if the tariffs are fully imposed.
On Monday, Šefčovič highlighted how Trump’s protectionist plans have resulted in a significant increase in interest from other nations to establish stronger trade partnerships with the EU. He announced a new digital trade agreement with South Korea, which serves to bolster the EU's existing free trade agreement with the nation initiated in 2015.
This agreement represents Brussels' ongoing strategy to mitigate the economic impact of rising US protectionism by strengthening trade ties with other global partners.
Recent months have seen the EU finalizing a long-awaited trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc in South America, updating its trade relationship with Mexico, and reigniting free trade negotiations with Malaysia.
Additionally, efforts to deepen trade connections with India have been pursued, as indicated by recent visits to the country from senior EU officials including Ursula von der Leyen.
Šefčovič reiterated the EU's commitment to expanding its network of trade agreements in key global markets.
Speaking to reporters, Šefčovič noted that despite Brussels' continued attempts to engage in constructive dialogue, Washington appears unresponsive to efforts aimed at reaching an agreement concerning tariffs on steel, aluminium, cars, and other EU exports.
Šefčovič remarked, "In the end, as it’s said, one hand cannot clap," indicating a lack of reciprocity in US engagement.
He pledged to protect European businesses and citizens against what he described as “unjustified” trade measures from the Trump administration, while emphasizing that the EU’s doors remain open for further discussions with the United States.
Starting Wednesday, a 25% duty on all steel and aluminium imports from the EU into the US is set to be enforced, alongside reciprocal tariffs that are expected to be introduced on April 2. Analysts have expressed concerns that these tariffs could severely restrict European access to the US market, potentially redirecting large volumes of Chinese goods to the EU, thereby jeopardizing the continent's struggling industries.
In previous statements, Šefčovič indicated that the EU is prepared to hold talks on a wide range of issues to evade the threatened US tariffs, including possibilities such as increasing purchases of US energy, weapons, and agrifood products.
He also mentioned that collaboration between Brussels and Washington is vital for addressing the challenges posed by China's industrial practices that undermine the competitiveness of both the EU and US metal sectors.
In terms of trade balance, the EU recorded a significant €150 billion surplus in goods traded with the US in 2023, contrasted by a €100 billion deficit in services, according to figures released by the European Commission.
Šefčovič's comments come in the context of a turbulent week for international trade amid escalating tariffs from the Trump administration.
Last Tuesday, President Trump introduced a broad 25% duty on imports from Canada and Mexico, before retracting some of those measures shortly after.
Additionally, last week saw the introduction of a 10% tariff on imports from China, effectively doubling the levy that began in February.
Responses from Canada and China have already manifested as both countries retaliated against Trump’s measures.
Mexico has indicated it will respond if the tariffs are fully imposed.
On Monday, Šefčovič highlighted how Trump’s protectionist plans have resulted in a significant increase in interest from other nations to establish stronger trade partnerships with the EU. He announced a new digital trade agreement with South Korea, which serves to bolster the EU's existing free trade agreement with the nation initiated in 2015.
This agreement represents Brussels' ongoing strategy to mitigate the economic impact of rising US protectionism by strengthening trade ties with other global partners.
Recent months have seen the EU finalizing a long-awaited trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc in South America, updating its trade relationship with Mexico, and reigniting free trade negotiations with Malaysia.
Additionally, efforts to deepen trade connections with India have been pursued, as indicated by recent visits to the country from senior EU officials including Ursula von der Leyen.
Šefčovič reiterated the EU's commitment to expanding its network of trade agreements in key global markets.
