Duties, the EU responds to Trump, from April countermeasures for 26 billion

Agile “countermeasures” of the European Union to duties decided by the US will start from April. The president of the European Commission annuated him, Ursula von der Leyen, saying “deeply” regretted for US measures. It will be a note from the Commission, of the countermeasures “rapid and proportionate”.

“The Commission – underlines the note – regrets the United States decision to impose these duties, considering them unjustified, harmful to transatlantic trade and harmful to businesses and consumers, since they translate into an increase in prices”.

“From this morning the United States apply a rate of the 25% on imports of steel and aluminum. We regret deeply of this measure. Rates are taxes. They are harmful to companies and even worse for consumers. These rates interrupt the supply chains. Bring uncertainty for the economy. Jobs are at stake. Prices will go up. In Europe and the United States. The European Union must act to protect consumers and companies. The countermeasures we adopt today are strong but proportionate. While the United States are applying rates for a value of 28 billion dollars, we are responding with countermeasures for a value of 26 billion euros. This corresponds to the economic reach of the US rates “, reads a declaration by the President of the European Commission.

“Our countermeasures will be introduced into two phases. Starting from April 1st e fully operational starting from 13 April. In the meantime, we will always remain open to the negotiations. We firmly believe that in a world full of geopolitical and economic uncertainties, it is not in our common interest to weigh our economies with rates. We are ready to engage in a significant dialogue. I commissioned the commissioner for trade Maros Sefcovic to resume his interviews to explore better solutions with the United States, “he adds.