Unlike China, The European Union chose a more moderate and strategic response in front of the tariffs imposed by the United States, with the aim of avoiding an open commercial war between both blocks. Brussels keeps the door open to dialogue with the Trump administration, although it seeks to negotiate from a firm position.
Hungary was the only country that voted against the retaliation package. His chancellor, Péter Szijjártó, warned that climbing the conflict will only generate more damages for European economy and citizens. Italy, on the other hand, supported the measure despite having asked to delay it. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will meet Trump next week in Washington.
The European measure responds to the 25 % tariffs that Trump imposed on European steel and aluminum in March, which affects exports for about 26,000 million euros. Although initially an equivalent retaliation was evaluated, the EU opted for a more moderate package to leave a possible negotiation.
“The EU considers these unjustified and harmful tariffs. We still prefer a negotiated solution that benefits both parties,” said the European Commission, which left open the possibility of suspending the countermeasures if there are advances in the dialogue.
The details of the EU to the US application and the dialoguistic plan
The implementation of reprisals will be gradual. The first phase enters into force on April 15 and will affect US products for 3.9 billion euros. The strongest section, which includes goods for 13,500 million, will be applied as of May 15. Finally, as of December 1, surcharges will be added to products such as soybeans and almonds for a value of 3.5 billion.
Brussels carefully chose the affected products, aiming at key sectors in republican or disputed states, such as soybeans in Louisiana, meats in Nebraska and Kansas, and wood in Georgia, Virginia and Alabama. The idea is that the impact generates internal pressure on Trump from its own electoral base and from the affected companies.
Besides, The EU is already preparing a second largest package of sanctions, which could also include US technological services and giants, In case there are no advances in negotiations. This new plan will be presented next week and could be applied as of May.
“The commercial war does not benefit anyone, but if necessary, we will take measures to protect our industry and our citizens,” said Henna Virkkunen, vice president of the European Commission.
Source: Ambito
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