Brussels/Strasbourg, , Feb 11 (EFE).- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday that the EU would respond with “firm and proportionate countermeasures” to the 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports imposed by US President Donald Trump the previous day.
“I deeply regret the US decision to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminum exports,” Von der Leyen said in a statement she also posted on social media.
The EU chief said the “unjustified tariffs” imposed by the US would be responded to with “firm and proportionate countermeasures.”
“The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests. We will protect our workers, businesses, and consumers,” she added.
For his part, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said in a speech to the European Parliament that Brussels was currently analyzing the scope of the measures announced by Trump before announcing the counter-offensive.
“Tariffs are taxes; bad for business, worse for consumers. By imposing tariffs, the US will be taxing its own citizens, raising costs for its own business, and fuelling inflation,” Sefcovic said.
The EU trade chief insisted the bloc remained “committed to constructive dialogue” and ready for a “mutually beneficial solution.”
“There is a lot at stake for both sides. We want to make it work, not least because it simply makes sense,” he added.
The executive order signed by Trump on Monday states that steel and aluminum imports “threaten to undermine national security” and that the agreements in place until now will end on Mar. 12, 2025, after which these products will be subject to the new tariffs. EFE
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