European Commission to Address US Tariffs Next Week
Brussels prepares countermeasures to US tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles.
The European Commission announced on Tuesday that it will present its response to what the United States refers to as 'reciprocal' tariffs, along with additional measures regarding tariffs imposed on cars.
This announcement follows a pending validation by EU member states of countermeasures against US tariffs on steel and aluminum, scheduled for discussion on Wednesday.
The Commission is implementing a gradual approach to address various tariffs recently introduced by the United States.
In reaction to existing tariffs on steel and aluminum, the EU has prepared two sets of countermeasures that will roll out in stages.
The first set of tariffs will apply to a wide range of US products starting in mid-April.
A second set of tariffs will come into effect in mid-May, while a third set, focusing on almonds and soybeans, is scheduled for December.
Additionally, the Commission is developing another suite of measures in response to the 25% tariffs on automobiles and the reciprocal tariffs, which amount to 20% for the EU. Olof Gill, the European Commission's spokesperson for trade, stated that the plan for this second phase would be revealed next week, similar to the prior response regarding steel and aluminum tariffs.
Gill further detailed that the Commission's roadmap would be outlined next week, followed by consultations with member states and industry representatives before finalizing measures for a vote by member countries.
Member states are expected to vote on the proposed countermeasures against US tariffs on steel and aluminum next Wednesday.
If given a mandate, these measures will take effect in the following week.
The European Commission anticipates increased engagement from the United States concerning negotiations on these tariffs.
Gill emphasized the expectation for US counterparts to participate more significantly in discussions, asserting, 'We are trying to avoid tariffs; we are attempting to resolve the situation.'
Brussels is maintaining ongoing communication with both member states and industry stakeholders to ensure that the measures proposed will effectively serve their intended purpose while minimizing damage within the EU and enhancing leverage in negotiations with the US.
Historically, member states authorized the European Commission in 2019 to negotiate the potential imposition of zero tariffs on industrial goods during the first Trump administration.
This proposal was reiterated earlier this week by the Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.
Gill stated that this offer has been presented in all European Commission meetings with the US government since Trump returned to office in January.
There are currently no scheduled meetings this week between Sefcovic and his US counterparts regarding the tariffs, although that could change rapidly.
Moreover, the Commission clarified that it does not regard Value Added Tax (VAT) as a 'non-tariff barrier,' countering claims made by the US, and noted that it would not link its regulations on services and digital markets with tariff negotiations.
Regarding food safety standards, the spokesperson asserted that the EU will not make concessions in this area 'either to the Americans or anyone else.'
This announcement follows a pending validation by EU member states of countermeasures against US tariffs on steel and aluminum, scheduled for discussion on Wednesday.
The Commission is implementing a gradual approach to address various tariffs recently introduced by the United States.
In reaction to existing tariffs on steel and aluminum, the EU has prepared two sets of countermeasures that will roll out in stages.
The first set of tariffs will apply to a wide range of US products starting in mid-April.
A second set of tariffs will come into effect in mid-May, while a third set, focusing on almonds and soybeans, is scheduled for December.
Additionally, the Commission is developing another suite of measures in response to the 25% tariffs on automobiles and the reciprocal tariffs, which amount to 20% for the EU. Olof Gill, the European Commission's spokesperson for trade, stated that the plan for this second phase would be revealed next week, similar to the prior response regarding steel and aluminum tariffs.
Gill further detailed that the Commission's roadmap would be outlined next week, followed by consultations with member states and industry representatives before finalizing measures for a vote by member countries.
Member states are expected to vote on the proposed countermeasures against US tariffs on steel and aluminum next Wednesday.
If given a mandate, these measures will take effect in the following week.
The European Commission anticipates increased engagement from the United States concerning negotiations on these tariffs.
Gill emphasized the expectation for US counterparts to participate more significantly in discussions, asserting, 'We are trying to avoid tariffs; we are attempting to resolve the situation.'
Brussels is maintaining ongoing communication with both member states and industry stakeholders to ensure that the measures proposed will effectively serve their intended purpose while minimizing damage within the EU and enhancing leverage in negotiations with the US.
Historically, member states authorized the European Commission in 2019 to negotiate the potential imposition of zero tariffs on industrial goods during the first Trump administration.
This proposal was reiterated earlier this week by the Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.
Gill stated that this offer has been presented in all European Commission meetings with the US government since Trump returned to office in January.
There are currently no scheduled meetings this week between Sefcovic and his US counterparts regarding the tariffs, although that could change rapidly.
Moreover, the Commission clarified that it does not regard Value Added Tax (VAT) as a 'non-tariff barrier,' countering claims made by the US, and noted that it would not link its regulations on services and digital markets with tariff negotiations.
Regarding food safety standards, the spokesperson asserted that the EU will not make concessions in this area 'either to the Americans or anyone else.'
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