The European Union is displeased with President Donald Trump’s plans to increase import tariffs on steel and aluminium further. A European Commission spokesperson expressed “great regret” over the announcement on Saturday.
Following a visit to a steel factory, Trump announced his intention to double the tariffs introduced in March from 25% to 50% on steel and aluminium. According to the Commission spokesperson, these actions by the US president undermine ongoing negotiations aimed at reaching a trade war agreement, create new uncertainty for the global economy, and raise costs for consumers and businesses in both the United States and Europe.
The EU, in response, is prepared to implement countermeasures. These could be enacted earlier than 14 July, it was stated. Until then, the EU had paused its countermeasures as part of negotiations concerning the US tariffs on steel and aluminium.
