Of Athena Papakosta

In a new phase, the trade war, which Donald Trump had promised to launch, after the signing of an executive decree providing for a 25% customs duties on steel and aluminum “without exception”. In retaliation they have promised that Europeans and leaders from the rest of the world will answer.

“The imposition of unjustified duties against the European Union will not remain unanswered,” European Commission President Ursula von der Laeen said, expressing regret to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminum exports.

The head of the committee pledged that the “27” would act in a view to their financial interests and emphasized that “we will protect our employees, businesses and consumers”.

According to Commerce Commissioner Maros Sefkovic, who spoke to the European Parliament, the Trump Movement will fuel inflation but the Union remains committed to finding a mutually beneficial solution as soon as possible. He noted that the European Commission “evaluates the range of measures and will respond in analoguely by countermeasures”

The Donald Trump decision to raise duties from 10% to 25% in all steel and aluminum imports in the United States, with no exceptions to any product and any country – even removing the quota agreements – will be in place by March 12. “Today I simplify our customs duties on steel and aluminum, so that the whole world understands what they mean. Is 25%, with no exception or exemption. For all countries, “the US president characteristically stressed, promising to impose mutual duties on countries taxing US imports. At the same time, Donald Trump said he was considering imposing duties on cars and medicinal products.

The largest sources of steel imports from the United States are Canada, Brazil and Mexico, while South Korea is in fourth place. According to data, European Union steel exports to the United States are on average, approximately EUR 3 billion per year in the last decade, while 25% of European exports ends up in the US.

Europe will respond united by German Chancellor, Olf Saltz, if the United States does not offer any other alternatives. “As the largest market in the world, with 450 million citizens,” he said, “we have the power to do so.”

For his part, French Minister of Industry, Mark Fetrachi, stressed that while France is not a powerful steel or aluminum producer, it could be indirectly influenced by the discouraged by US duties Chinese exports to Europe.

Yesterday, Tuesday, on the sidelines of the International Summit for Artificial Intelligence, the Commission president met for the first time with US Vice President Jay Di Vance. Ursula von der Laien has spoken of a “good meeting for the common challenges”, which was also involved in European diplomacy leader Kaya Calas. At the same time he called Mr Vance “ally” and did not exclude cooperation As far as Chinese overproduction of steel is concerned.