The EU prepares its “countermeasures” after Trump’s outbid

John Thys / AFP

Customs duties: the EU prepares its “countermeasures” after Trump’s overbidding

Customs – Even if the discussions remain open. Meanwhile, time is preparing countermeasures. Nevertheless, A few hours after Donald Trump’s announcement impose 30 % customs duties on the European Union. In addition, European leaders expressed their disapproval this Saturday, April 12.

“Imposing customs duties of 30% on EU exports would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains. Therefore, to the detriment of companies, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic”denounced in a statement the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, while declaring that the EU always wanted to reach a trade agreement with Washington.

Ursula von der Leyen insisted eu prepares its “countermeasures” after that “Few savings in the world equal the level of opening of the European Union. In addition, its respect for fair trade practices”. Nevertheless, “The EU has constantly favored a negotiated solution with the United States. Meanwhile, reflecting our commitment to dialogue, stability and a constructive transatlantic partnership”she said.

These customs duties will come into force on August 1. Trump said in separate letters published on his Truth Social platform.

“Accelerate eu prepares its “countermeasures” after the preparation of credible countermeasures”

“We remain ready to continue the work towards an agreement by August 1. At the same time. we will take all the necessary measures to safeguard the interests of the EU, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if necessary ”she added.

For his part. Emmanuel Macron expressed the “Very lively disapproval” of France and called the EU to “Resolutely defend European interests”. He notably invites the European Commission to “Accelerate the preparation of credible countermeasures. by the mobilization of all the instruments at its disposal”, “If no agreement was reached by August 1”.

Arguing that the EU has been negotiating with Washington for several weeks “Based on a solid. good faith offer”Emmanuel Macron said he was coming back “More than ever to the Commission to assert the determination of the Union to resolutely defend European interests”.

“France fully supports the European Commission in negotiations which will intensify. to achieve a mutually acceptable agreement by August 1, so that it reflects the respect of trade partners such as the European Union and the United States, with shared interests and integrated value chains”wrote the head of state again.

A “ proportionate response »

The Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin put him on the table the possibility of a “A eu prepares its “countermeasures” after proportionate response” French. especially on American goods and services, if Brussels does not arrive at a “Fair agreement” With Washington.

“It is now for the EU. in the time left, of pragmatic negotiating a solution with the United States which focuses on the main conflict points”said Katherina Reiche, the German Minister of the Economy, in a declaration sent by email. “The European Commission (responsible for negotiations on behalf of the 27 EU member states. editor’s note) has our support in this approach”she said, adding: “A pragmatic outcome to these negotiations must be obtained quickly”

Diplomats indicated that an unscheduled meeting of ambassadors from the 27 EU countries had been summoned to Brussels for Sunday afternoon to discuss Trump’s latest initiative

The customs tariff for the EU is much higher than the 20 % tax unveiled by Donald Trump in April. The EU has prepared eu prepares its “countermeasures” after retaliatory duties on American products worth around 21 billion euros after Trump also imposed separate prices on imports of steel. aluminum earlier this year. They are currently suspended until July 14.

European officials have taken no action to extend this suspension but they could do it quickly if necessary, notes AFP.