The European Commission has promised to respond “firmly and immediately” to what it refers to as “unjustified barriers to free and fair trade” following the announcement of a 25% tariff on European Union imports by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade, including when tariffs are used to challenge legal and non-discriminatory policies,” a Commission spokesperson said on Wednesday.
The spokesperson added, “The EU will always protect European businesses, workers, and consumers from unjustified tariffs.”
Trump Confirms Tariff Decision
During a cabinet meeting, Trump confirmed that his administration had finalized the tariff plan. “We have made a decision, and we’ll be announcing it very soon, and it’ll be 25%, generally speaking, and that’ll be on cars, and all of the things,” Trump said.
Donald Trump additionally disparaged the EU as being established “in order to screw the United States.”
EU Deenfcs Benefits of Free Market to US
In answer to Trump’s statement, the European Commission focused on the benefits to the US from the EU economy. “The European Union is the world’s largest free market. And it has been a boon for the United States,” said the European Commission spokesman.
The spokesperson emphasized that the EU’s single market has promoted trade, reduced costs to U.S. exporters, and aligned rules between 27 countries, making it extremely profitable for U.S. investments in Europe.
“the EU has facilitated trade, reduced costs for U.S. exporters, and harmonized standards and regulations across 27 countries,” said the spokesperson. This new trade conflict is concerning tensions between the U.S. and the EU, with each side gearing up for possible countermeasures.
