“We remain convinced that our transatlantic relations deserve a negotiated solution, a solution that lays the foundation for new stability and cooperation, and that is why we continue to work with the United States administration and prioritize a negotiated solution by the new deadline of August 1,” stated Maros Sefcovic.
Speaking upon arriving at the European Union (EU) Trade Ministers meeting in Brussels, the official referred to the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of reciprocal tariffs of 30% on the EU in about two weeks, emphasizing, “I cannot imagine giving up [on negotiations] without a genuine effort.”
Highlighting the “increasingly difficult context of international trade”, Maros Sefcovic described these additional 30% customs duties as “effectively prohibitive for mutual trade” between the EU and the United States.
“If we are talking about 30% or 30% more [tariffs], there will be a tremendous impact on trade. It will be almost impossible to continue trade as we are used to in a transatlantic relationship […] and transatlantic supply chains will be heavily affected on both sides of the Atlantic,” he outlined.
The European Commissioner stressed that the European Commission is preparing “for all outcomes, including, if necessary, well-considered proportional countermeasures to restore balance.”
“I will definitely do everything in my power to avoid a very negative scenario,” he promised.
On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he will impose 30% tariffs on EU products starting August 1, in a letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Reacting to the announcement, the leader of the European executive stated that Brussels remains willing to negotiate with the U.S. to reach an agreement before August 1.
Donald Trump justified the decision with the EU’s trade surplus with the United States, which reached 50 billion euros in 2024.
Trade tensions between Brussels and Washington are due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcements of imposing tariffs on the EU, which started at 25% for steel, aluminum, and European automobiles, becoming reciprocal tariffs to the community bloc, suspended and now set at 30% after a negotiation period.
Brussels prefers a negotiated solution with Washington, having already proposed zero tariffs for industrial goods in trade exchanges between both blocs.
The European Commission holds the competence of the EU’s trade policy.
Currently, 379 billion euros in EU exports to the United States, equivalent to 70% of the total, are subject to the new tariffs (including those temporarily suspended) since the new U.S. administration took office in January.
According to the European Commission, in question is an average U.S. customs duty rate higher than in the 1930s.
The EU and the United States have the largest volume of trade between partners, amounting to 1.5 trillion euros.
