U.S. president Donald Trump announced the introduction of 30% work on imports from the European Union on Saturday. In a letter published on the fact Social platform, he besides threatened with further tariff increases in the case of EU repression. The head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen warned that US tariffs would disrupt key supply chains on both sides of the Atlantic. The EU is preparing for all scenarios, including proportionate remedies.
Trump published a letter to the head of the European Commission informing about the plans to introduce advanced tariffs. The European Commission spokesperson confirmed that Washington informed Brussels of the letter in advance.
In response, von der Leyen issued a message highlighting the negative effects of the planned duties. She warned that US tariffs would "disturb key transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic".
EU seeks agreement
The head of the European Commission has ensured that the Union continues to search agreement before the first of August erstwhile US duties would be imposed. "The EU has consistently put forward a negotiated solution with the US, which reflects our commitment to dialogue, stableness and constructive transatlantic partnership" - she stressed.
At the same time von der Leyen warned against the consequences. "We will take all essential steps to defend the EU's interests, including, if necessary, proportionate remedies", she announced.
Negotiations with questions
Trump's announcement puts the negotiations held since April in question. Washington then announced 20% of EU duties and then suspended them, leaving a "base rate" of 10 percent.
According to the media leaks, the EU demanded that the level of duties be maintained at 10 percent in the negotiations. The European side besides wanted to exempt from fees, including aircraft, aeronautical parts and alcohols.
Preparations for all scenarios
On Wednesday, von der Leyen stressed that the Union "work closely" with Trump's administration to find a solution. At the same time it prepares for "all scenarios".
In early May, the European Commission presented a list of US goods worth a full of EUR 95 billion. These products could be subject to Union duties in the event of a failure of talks and US tariff announcements.
Additional commercial tensions
Among the products included are aircraft, cars, whiskey and wine. On Monday, July 14, the deadline for suspension of the Union duties, which were intended to respond to another US duties, is besides set.
The European Commission decided in April to suspend the retaliatory measures for 90 days. The decision was to "give opportunities to negotiate" after the president of the United States announced a suspension of the overall 20% duties.
The suspension of duties expired on 9 July, nevertheless Trump extended the suspension period until the first August. Earlier in February, the US announced 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium.
From Brussels Maria Wiśniewska (PAP) Note: This article was edited with Artificial Intelligence.
