Senior EU officials have arrived in Washington for critical negotiations aimed at resolving escalating trade tensions with the United States. The talks, led by European Commission trade chief Sabine Weyand, come in response to US-imposed tariffs that have strained transatlantic relations since mid-March.
The Tariff Dispute
The Biden administration introduced a 25% levy on EU steel, aluminum, and car imports, alongside a 10% blanket tariff on all EU goods. A 20% tariff was temporarily suspended for 90 days, pending negotiations.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič acknowledged the complexity of the discussions, emphasizing that the EU will not accept an unfair deal. He reiterated the bloc’s offer of a zero-for-zero tariff agreement on cars and industrial goods to ease tensions.
Strategic Cooperation and Economic Impact
Šefčovič has engaged in direct talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, advocating for collaboration on critical raw materials, medicines, and steel overcapacities—issues both sides share in relation to China.
The EU, which maintains a €50 billion trade surplus with the US, has signaled willingness to expand imports of liquid natural gas, soybeans, and agricultural products to facilitate a resolution.
Diplomatic Pressure and Future Outlook
Following a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a French official stressed that the EU’s goal is to completely withdraw US-imposed tariffs, including the 10% blanket levy introduced on April 2.
“This asymmetrical situation must not become the new norm in EU-US relations,” the official warned.
With negotiations ongoing, the EU has reportedly prepared €100 billion in retaliatory tariffs should talks fail. Meanwhile, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris has urged “calm, measured dialogue” to prevent further economic instability.
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