The announcement of new duties of 30% on European exports by the US President Donald Trump has turned on a new commercial clash between United States And European Union. In response Brussels maintains the path of dialogue open, but at the same time it accelerates the planning of possible “retaliation” measures. Trump’s letter, sent to the President of the Commission Ursula von der leyenhas triggered an articulated reaction in the member countries, which appear divided between a negotiating approach and the immediate adoption of countermeasures.
The official position of the European Union
Brussels said she preferred the path of negotiation. “We have always been very clear about preferring a negotiated solution. This remains valid and we will use the time we have,” said Ursula von der Leyen. A position shared by the European Commissioner for Commerce, Maros Sefcovicwho reiterated the will to avoid an escalation. Despite the diplomatic approach, the European Union does not exclude the introduction of countermeasures only if necessary.
In addition to the duties of 21 billion euros already authorized in response to the previous US rates on steel and aluminum – and temporarily suspended – a second package from 72 billion. Among the study options there is the limitation of the export of steel and aluminum scrap to the United States.
The two blocks of countries: tightening or negotiating?
The union appears split into two blocks. On the one hand there are countries that push for a decisive response. There Germanyby the voice of Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, he said in an interview with Suaddeutsche Zeitung the need for “decisive countermeasures” towards the USA. Also the Francewith President Emmanuel Macron, he looks to the possibility of activating the anti-coercion tool that would allow to introduce unilateral restrictions on investments, contracts and even against large digital platforms.
On the other hand, countries like Italy They hope for a more moderate approach. The Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni He declared that it makes no sense to trigger a commercial clash and asked for a goodwill for an advantageous agreement. The Minister of Economy Giancarlo Giorgetti confirmed this line specifying that we must negotiate without selling and also called a 10%duty “reasonable”, but he specified that “going too much beyond that threshold would become unsustainable”.
What will happen and the opening of Trump
Negotiations continue at all levels: Commissioner Sefcovic is in contact with the American counterpart Lutnik and the USA Greer representative, while European officials flew to Washington to intensify dialogue. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is also engaged on a mission in the United States, where he met the secretary of state Marco Rubio. The topics addressed include duties, conflict in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. Tajani said: “There has been an identity of views on great international issues”.
In the meantime, Trump in a public event has declared that there have been progress with the European Union by anticipating the scenario that will see “all happy”. As per the style of the President of the United States, there was no lack of arrow against EU countries, remembering that the letter to 30% duties from August 1st is still present.
