Europe offers US zero tariffs on industrial goods – European Commission President
Photo: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
The European Union has proposed that the United States implement mutual zero tariffs on industrial goods in an effort to avoid a major trade war between the two sides, stated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Von der Leyen emphasized that Europe is open to negotiations with the United States on tariff matters.
"We have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods. Because we're always ready for a good deal," she said.
At the same time, she stressed that the EU is prepared to take countermeasures if an agreement to ease tariff policies cannot be reached.
"But we’re also prepared to respond with countermeasures. And protect ourselves against indirect effects through trade diversion," von der Leyen added.
Trump’s new tariffs
On April 2, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on imports from more than 180 countries. He justified the move as a response to the unfair tariffs other nations impose on American products.
According to the document, certain countries will face reciprocal tariffs ranging from 11% to 48%, while a base rate of 10% will apply to the rest.
On April 6, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the US would not delay implementing the new tariffs, despite calls from several countries to reconsider. He said the tariffs would remain in place “for days and weeks.”
On April 7, it was revealed that Trump imposed additional 20% tariffs on imported goods from the European Union. He also demanded that Europe pay reparations for past years.
Earlier, EU leaders had stated that Europe was prepared to take countermeasures if tariff talks with Washington failed. Reuters reported that the EU is expected to approve the first package of retaliatory measures this week - tariffs on imports of US goods worth up to $28 billion.
