The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said on Sunday July 13, that Brussels was going to extend the suspension of countermeasures with American customs duties on steel and aluminum, while the European Union (EU) seeks an agreement to avoid a 30 % tax on all its products.
“The United States has sent us a letter with measures that would come into force unless there is a negotiated solution, which is why we will also extend the suspension of our countermeasures until the beginning of August”said Mr.me Von der Leyen, while the suspension of these reprisals for American customs duties on steel and aluminum was to expire in the night from Monday to Tuesday.
For Ursoula to come from Leen, the UE “Always very clear on the fact [qu’elle préfère] A negotiated solution. This remains the case, and we will use the time we now have up to 1is august “.
25 % customs duties on steel and aluminum
Brussels has prepared customs duties on American products worth around 21 billion euros, in response to customs duties of 25 % imposed by the American president, Donald Trump, on imports of steel and aluminum earlier this year. But it announced in April suspend these measures to give way to a wider trade agreement with the Trump administration.
The American president announced on Saturday a 30 % customs surcharge for the European Union and Mexico. These customs duties will come into force on 1is August, said the republican billionaire in distinct letters published on his social social platform.
Europe had reacted by criticizing this decision, while always saying that it is ready to continue working on an agreement. “We will take all the necessary measures to safeguard the interests of the EU, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if necessary”had nevertheless warned the president of the European Commission.
