EU awaits real negotiations with the US on import tariffs

BRUSSELS (ANP/RTR) – After the presentation of the plan, the Commission will consult with member states and companies. Only then will the Commission announce final measures, which the member states can vote on, according to the spokesperson.

On Monday, it was announced that the European Commission had made a so-called zero-for-zero offer for industrial products, whereby mutual import tariffs would be lifted. The US has rejected that.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the EU’s offer is “not enough.” The EU should, for example, buy more American energy, according to the president. The Commission is open to that, according to a spokesperson.

Trump’s trade advisor Peter Navarro said on Monday that the EU must change not only its import tariffs but also other import rules for a deal, including VAT rules and food safety regulations. The EU spokesperson stated at the press conference that this is currently not on the agenda.

European member states will vote on Wednesday regarding import tariffs on American products in response to the American tariffs on European aluminum and steel, which were introduced last month.

(April 8, 2025)