On April 7, EU ministers decided to focus on negotiations rather than retaliatory measures in response to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which affect 70% (equivalent to €380 billion) of total European exports.
This is reported by Business • Media
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s readiness to negotiate a “zero-for-zero” tariff pact for industrial goods and cars.
“We need to keep calm and reduce tensions. But we are prepared to take countermeasures if necessary to bring the Americans to the negotiating table,” said the Dutch Minister of Trade.
The European Commission has prepared counter-tariffs of 25% on a range of American goods. A vote on this matter is scheduled for April 9, and the final list of products subject to tariffs will be approved on April 15. On the same day, tariffs on goods from the first package of measures will come into effect, and from May 15, for the rest. EU countries are expected to finalize this proposal on April 15.
Additionally, the European Union is considering abandoning the American payment infrastructure in order to create its own payment system to reduce dependence on the U.S. American companies may also be banned from participating in European government contracts.
In light of these events, Trump stated that the U.S. is not ready to negotiate with Europe on tariff changes unless the EU compensates “a lot of money every year – not just for the present, but also for the past.” He rejected Brussels’ proposal for zero tariffs, noting that Europe must commit to purchasing American energy resources worth $350 billion to receive a reprieve from extensive tariffs.