The European Union is standing up against what it calls an unfair tariff deal proposed by the United States. On Tuesday, the EU’s trade chief, Maros Sefcovic, emphasized that “all options remain on the table” as the bloc prepares to respond if talks fail to produce a fair agreement.
The United States has imposed 25% import tariffs on EU steel, aluminum, and cars, with additional tariffs of 10% on almost all other goods. These levies could increase to 20% after a 90-day pause expires on July 8.
Sefcovic highlighted that these U.S. tariffs currently affect 70% of EU goods exported to the U.S., a figure that could rise to 97% if new investigations lead to more tariffs on products like pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.
“Washington now needs to show its readiness to move toward a fair and balanced agreement,” Sefcovic told the European Parliament. The EU plans to use the pause to prepare measures that would rebalance trade and ensure a level playing field.
The EU is also vigilant about potential surges in imports caused by trade being diverted due to the U.S.’s tariff wall. A task force has been established to monitor these changes, with its first findings expected in mid-May.
At the same time, the EU is receiving interest from other countries looking to strengthen trade ties, highlighting the bloc’s significant role in global trade.
