On April 7, EU ministers decided to focus on negotiations rather than retaliatory measures in response to tariffs initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, which affect 70% of the total European export volume, amounting to approximately 380 billion euros.
This is reported by Finway
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the EU is open to dialogue and ready to discuss a “zero-for-zero” tariff deal for industrial goods and cars.
“We need to remain calm and reduce tensions. But we are prepared to take countermeasures if necessary to bring the Americans to the negotiating table,”
stated the Dutch Minister of Trade.
The European Commission plans to impose counter-tariffs of 25% on a range of American goods. A vote on this matter will take place on April 9, and the final list of tariffs will be approved on April 15. Tariffs on products from the first package of measures will come into effect on the same day, while those for other goods will take effect on May 15. EU countries must finalize this proposal by April 15.
Additionally, the European Union is considering abandoning American payment infrastructure and developing its own payment system to reduce dependence on the U.S. American companies may also be banned from participating in European government contracts.
In response, Trump stated that the U.S. would not negotiate with Europe on changing tariffs unless the European Union “pays a lot of money every year – not just for the present, but for the past.” He rejected Brussels’ proposal for zero tariffs and emphasized that the EU must commit to purchasing American energy supplies worth $350 billion to receive a reprieve from extensive tariffs.