The European Union for Revenge of the American steel and aluminum tariffs

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The European Union said that it will decrease against the American definitions of European steel exports and aluminum with “counter and proportional measures”, as officials in Brussels rushed to avoid a trade war with Washington.

“The European Union will work to protect its economic interests. European Commission President Ursula von der Layin said on Tuesday:” We will protect our workers, our companies and consumers. “

US President Donald Trump announced that 25 percent Definitions on all imports of steel and aluminum It will take effect on March 12.

The European Union member states have already agreed to the fees of 50 percent on 4.8 billion euros of American imports and can quickly take a final vote to impose them. Bourbon Whisky, Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, Doardoats, some steel and aluminum.

Von Der Leyen, Vice President JD Vance, will meet in Paris to discuss the case while the committee invited a meeting of commercial ministers on Wednesday afternoon.

European Union Trade Commissioner Maros šefčovič told the European Parliament that the bloc was aimed at talks. “We are still committed to constructive dialogue. We are ready for negotiations, and to find useful and mutual solutions wherever possible.

There is a lot at the stake for both sides. We want to make it work, not the least of it because it is logical. “

He added: “The European Union does not see any justification for imposing definitions on our exports, which lead to economically counterproductive results. Especially given the deep integrated production chains, which have been created through the vast and vivid trade and investment links.

“Customs duties are taxes. Bad business, (worse for consumers.”

the The whiskey tariff was imposed for the first time In response to the metal tariff that Trump imposes in his first term as president. This conflict was frozen during the era of former President Joe Biden, but it was not resolved.

They will enter into force automatically at the end of March, unless the majority of the European Union countries agree to do so sooner.

Brussels can also expand its revenge, but von der Lin stressed that any response will be “proportional”.

the European Union Axel IGire, General Manager of the Eurofer, said that the steel industry has already been shrinking, as production reached its lowest level in 2023.

He said: “The last ton is the most profitable toning because we have such high fixed costs.”

He said that the steel from another place in the world that was removed from the American market can also be exported to Europe, which increases the price frustration.

The United Kingdom has not threatened with revenge on the US steel tariff and aluminum, as Sir Kerr Starmer tries to avoid a trade war with Trump and instead deepened economic relations, especially in technology and professional services.

Although the Prime Minister’s allies say no decision has been taken on whether the latest definitions will be answered, the government has tried to reduce the expectations of any revenge. She said that the United States represented only 5 percent of UK steel exports in 2023 and 6 percent of aluminum exports.

“It is important to see this in the context of our exports,” said Starmer.

Although the UK government supports free trade, it has also developed emergency plans in an escalation.

The United Kingdom’s steel industry has claimed that Trump’s move would be a “devastating blow” of the sector.