The European Union is ready to answer the possible imposition of additional tariffs on European products by US President Donald Trump.

Response from Brussels

The European Union has a stand -up to US President Donald Trump’s intention that it will soon announce 25% duties on all steel and aluminum imports in the US. The Commission, however, sends a strict warning that there will be an immediate reaction to the protection of “European businesses, workers and consumers from unjustified measures”.

As it remains unclear who will first relate to the 25% duties that Donald Trump announced last night, the Commission has been very careful about its reaction, rushing to clarify that at present at present “He has not received any official announcement on the imposition of additional duties on European products”. Pointed out at the same time that this is not “To respond to general announcements without details or written clarifications.”

Clear message before the US

In any case, the message to the opposite bank of the Atlantic is clear: “The EU sees no excuse for imposing duties on exports of European products” states the announcement and stresses at the same time that “We will react to protect the interests of European businesses, workers and consumers from unjustified measures.”

For the Commission, moreover, any duties would “be illegal and financially counterproductive”, especially given the deep integrated production chains that the EU and the US created through transatlantic trade and investment.

‘In essence, duties correspond to taxes’ It is highlighted in the relevant announcement, while noting at the same time that “By imposing duties, the US will tax their citizens, increase business costs and fuel inflation.”. Additional, “Duties increase financial uncertainty and disrupt the effectiveness and completion of global markets” The Commission appreciates.

In a strict tone the message from Paris

There was a stricter message than Paris. “The European Union will” respond “to the new duties announced by Trump, as he had done during the first term of the Republican president at the White House,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Baro said earlier today, adding that he added. “There is no hesitation when it comes to defending our interests.”.

He also stressed that the Commission is instructed to act in this direction: “It is ready to press the trigger when the time comes. Now the time has come. ” However clarified that “It is not in the interest of anyone to start a trade war with the EU”.

Intent of von der Laienne The avoidance of a trade war

The intention of the President of the Commission – as he repeatedly stated lately – is to avoid a trade war, and therefore, the priority for her has immediate involvement in negotiations with the new US administration.

Ursula von der Layen is today in Paris, where she will participate in the international conference organized by French President Emmanuel Macron for artificial intelligence. On the sidelines of the conference, a meeting will report a meeting with US Vice President Jay Di Vance, who is also the first US official to visit Europe.