The Commission’s sources of civil servants said on Thursday in Brussels how Trump’s customs hit the EU and how to respond to the Union side.
“Yesterday was the day of exemption, but I’m not sure if you feel particularly liberated,” the Commission’s Senior Officer said Thursday at the US EU-Tariff background.
The official referred to the US President To Donald Trumpwho declared Wednesday’s historical release day when the United States ordered “reciprocal customs” to several countries in the world.
For goods from the EU, Trump ordered 20 % new duties.
According to the Commission, about 70 percent of EU exports are covered by US customs duties with the newly decided and new customs.
According to the Commission, exports to the customs duties are approximately EUR 370 billion.
Until now, the United States has raised about EUR 7 billion from products from the EU. With the customs decided by the Trump administration, the total amount will increase to more than EUR 81 billion if it is reasonable to negotiate.
“It’s a huge jump,” commented the Commission’s senior official.
Will soon be voted
The EU has already decided to set up EUR 26 billion newcomers to US products in response to the US previously prescribed 25 % steel and aluminum.
The content of the counter-measures is still being negotiated between EU countries.
Member States are currently lobbying their own positions so that the EU’s own counterparts are not unduly struck by French wines, for example.
According to the Commission, next week, Member States will vote for counter-action of steel and aluminum duties. They would come into effect on 15.4.
The Commission wants to leave a longer negotiating window for new 20 % of Trump’s new 20 %. Their retaliation would not take effect until May 15th.
“We want to give more time for negotiations,” said the Commission’s senior civil servant.
Trump’s calculations
The Trump administration has calculated that EU duties for the United States are 39 %, which is why on Wednesday, he reciprocated new 20 % duties for all European products that are not covered by previous steel, aluminum and car duties.
However, according to the Commission’s invoices, the EU’s interest compared to the United States is only only one percent.
In 2023, the EU’s export to the United States was EUR 503 billion. Exports were in surplus of 157 billion, but in service exports the EU deficit is EUR 109 billion.
However, Trump calculates, for example, VAT and EU food legislation that are not customs.
The EU official said on Thursday that even if the negotiating solution is being sought, the EU will not dissolve agreed legislation, such as food legislation made to protect European consumers and producers.
“We have legislative legislation, and we do not (in negotiations) weaken any legislation, such as food security provisions,” the Commission official said.
The Commission is also reminded that VAT is not a tariff. It is widely used and does not discriminate the United States.
According to media data, new retaliations could hit the United States, for example, by shelving intellectual property rights by American companies, or exposing American companies out of public procurement agreements.
On Thursday, the Commission officials refused to tell details of new retaliations, which, however, may be more than actual tariffs.
“We have a lot of options,” the older civil servant said.
The negotiating solution is sought
Commissioner responsible for EU trade negotiations Maroš Šefčovič He has already visited the United States a couple of times, and according to the Commission, he is in close contact with Americans to get a negotiating solution.
The Commission reports that šfčovič intends to call the United States on Friday.
Next week, a delegation to Washington will also be leaving the EU Parliament to discuss the solution to all the miserable trade war.
Chairman Ursula von der Leyen Has emphasized several times that the EU is open to negotiations, but if necessary, ready to take tough retaliations.
If no agreement is available, the EU will try to increase trade with the rest of the world by emphasizing that you are a reliable and fair trading partner.
Europe currently has 76 trade agreements, while the United States has 20.
Facts
Duties and newcomers
To date, the US administration has announced an increase of 25 % of customs, aluminum, cars and car parts.
Against these actions, the EU has already decided to set up EUR 26 billion for US products. These EU counterparts are expected to enter into force in mid -April.
Late Wednesday evening, Finnish time President Donald Trump announced a total of 20 % of new customs fees for EU products.
The duties consist of a 10 % basic level and a country-by-country additional level of 10 % for EU countries.
On Thursday, the Commission announced that it would be preparing to increase new retaliations. They would enter into force on May 15, if there was no negotiation.