TMTPOST -- The European Union is preparing its countermeasures against U.S. Donald Trump』s new tariffs while expressing openness to negotiations to avoid transatlantic trade war. But Trump, who repeatedly claimed the bloc was formed to screw the U.S., seems not satisfy with the EU』s offer.
Credit：Xinhua News Agency
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that the EU is ready for negotiations with the U.S. over tariffs and has offered removal of tariffs on industrial tariffs.
Von der Leyen noted at a news conference in Brussels the new U.S. tariffs come at immense costs for U.S. consumers and businesses but, at the same time, they have a massive impact on the global economy. Head of the EU executive branch believes these tariffs represent a major turning point for the U.S., though revealed the proposal the bloc had offered to the Trump administration to pave the way for possible deal.
"We stand ready to negotiate with the United States," von der Leyen said in a video posted on X. "Indeed, we have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods as we have successfully done with many other trading partners because Europe is always ready for a good deal so we keep it on the table." She added, "But we』re also prepared to respond through countermeasures and defend our interests."
Asked when the EU offered the zero-tariff offer, von der Leyen said that was made long before Trump』s announcement of tariffs. She highlighted the EU has has long gone zero for zero with other countries that also have a strong automotive sector. While the EU would prefer to strike a negotiated settlement, it is also 「preparing a potential list (of US imports) for retaliation,」 she pointed out.
Trump later Monday said the EU will have to pledge purchase of $350 billion worth of energy from U.S. to get a reprieve from his tariffs. When asked whether the EU』s zero tariff offer was enough for him to back off his plan, Trump said:「 No, it』s not.」
Trump noted the U.S. has a trade deficit with the EU of $350 billion and one of the ways that an close the deficit easily and quickly for the EU is commit to to buying around $350 billion of enegry from the U.S.
The European Commission proposed on Monday its first retaliatory tariffs at 25% on U.S. levies on steel and aluminum, and these retaliatory measures, which ts set to approve this week, will take effect on April 15, with the second tranche starting a month later.
The retaliation would affect less than the previous planned €26 billion, said Maros Sefcovic, the EU』s commissioner for trade and economic security. It was reported that the list of targeted U.S. goods was shortened as the Commission caved to memember states and revmoved bourbon, wine and dairy after Trump threatened a 200% counter-tariff on EU alcoholic drinks.
Sefcovic echoed von der Leyen by stating the EU remains open to negotiation, but adding 「we wil not wait endlessly.」 The bloc will push ahead with countermeasurs 」
On March 12, when the 25% U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum entered effect, The EU announced the EU』s countermeasures that could apply to U.S. goods exports worth up to €26 billion, matching the economic scope of the US tariffs.
The Commission said the EU』s response will be introduced in two steps. First, it will allow the suspension of existing 2018 and 2020 countermeasures against the US to lapse on April 1. The step targets a range of US products that respond to the economic harm done on €8 billion of EU steel and aluminium exports. Second, given the new U.S. tariffs affecting more than €18 billion of EU exports, it will move forward a package of new countermeasures on US exports. They will come into force by mid-April, following consultation of member States and stakeholders.
The first wave of EU』s retaliatory tariffs include 50% tariffs on American whiskey, motorboats and motorcycles, which immediately draw Trump』s threat of higher duties on EU.
If the EU does not remove its 50% tariff on Whisky, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% tariffs on all wines, champagnes and alcoholic products coming out of France and other EU member countries, Trump said in a post on his social media Truth Social on March 13.
The EU confirmed on March 20 it decided to delay the first part of planned counter-tariffs on U.S. until the mid-April to make time for negotiation. 「The European Commission has decided to align the timing of the two sets of EU countermeasures against U.S. 232 tariffs on EU steel and aluminum,」 an EU spokesperson that day said, stating the decision can provide 「additional time for discussions with the U.S. administration.」 The spokesperson said the EU aims to strike the right balance of products, taking into account the interests of local producers, exporters and consumers.