The European Commission (EC) announced on February 14 that it will "react firmly and immediately" if the US's reciprocal tariffs lead to tax increases.
US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington DC (USA) on February 13 - Photo: REUTERS
EU stands firm against Trump's reciprocal tariffs
According to Reuters, the European Commission (EC) believes that the US reciprocal tax policy is a wrong move.
"The European Union (EU) maintains one of the lowest tariff rates in the world and sees no reason for the US to increase tariffs on EU exports," the EC statement said.
According to the EC, more than 70% of imports into the EU are duty-free.
“The EU will respond firmly and immediately to unjustified barriers to free and fair trade, including the use of tariffs to challenge legitimate and non-discriminatory policies,” the statement said.
A document released by the White House on February 13 pointed out the difference between the EU’s 10% tariff on imported cars, while the US only applies 2.5% to imported cars. The US also pointed out the EU’s restrictions on imports of US shellfish.
There is still room for negotiation.
The EC's statement echoed that of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on February 11. She stressed that the EU would take "firm and proportionate countermeasures" in response to US President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports.
On February 12, EU trade ministers took a softer stance, prioritizing negotiations before taking retaliatory measures, as US steel and aluminum import tariffs will not take effect until March 12.
Similarly, Mr. Trump’s February 13 directive did not immediately impose additional tariffs. Instead, before issuing a formal response, he opened an investigation, which could last weeks or months, into the tariffs that trading partners impose on American goods.
Three EU diplomats said it was reasonable to use this time to negotiate, but also to prepare a tough response if US tariffs were imposed.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/eu-thue-doi-ung-cua-my-la-khong-chinh-dang-se-dap-tra-cung-ran-20250214202920212.htm
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