US threatens EU with 30% tariff rate
The European Commission has confirmed the receipt of a letter from US president, Donald Trump, threatening base tariff rates of 30%.
President Trump said in the letter that imports in the US from the European Union (EU) would be subject to tariffs of 30% from August 1. He said that the EU would be able to avoid this if it offers “complete, open market access to US, with no tariff being charged to us”.
In response, European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said imposing 30% tariffs on EU exports would disrupt “essential transatlantic supply chains”. She said this would be to the detriment of businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.
“The EU has consistently prioritised a negotiated solution with the US, reflecting our commitment to dialogue, stability, and a constructive transatlantic partnership,” Dr von der Leyen said.
She insisted that the EU would continue working towards an agreement but would, at the same time, take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of “proportionate countermeasures” if required.
Meanwhile, she said the EU would continue to deepen its partnerships with other global trading partners, “firmly anchored in the principles of rules-based international trade”.
