Fiala: EU seeks an agreement with the USA on tariffs, should also look for new markets

Prague – The European Union is seeking an agreement with the United States on tariffs, as it does not want trade wars. However, if it fails, it must come up with countermeasures, Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) said today after a government meeting. He also called for the removal of barriers in the EU internal market and for finding export opportunities in other markets. At the same time, he warned that Europe must not become an alternative market for cheap Chinese goods after the introduction of American tariffs.

Fiala emphasized that neither the Czech Republic nor the EU as a whole wants a trade war. “Europe offers zero tariffs, is ready to negotiate, and the goal is to reach an amicable solution. We have repeatedly offered this and will continue to do so,” he said. However, according to him, there has not yet been a positive response from the American side.

If the negotiations are unsuccessful, the EU is, according to Fiala, prepared to respond with countermeasures that will be targeted to minimize harm to European companies and citizens. “They must target goods that we can replace from elsewhere,” he said. He also reminded that the exclusive authority for negotiations in customs policy lies with the European Commission, but the member states of the union jointly create a European position that best corresponds to their interests.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the need to seek alternative markets. He mentioned the expedited conclusion of a free trade agreement with the South American bloc Mercosur or establishing agreements with India or Southeast Asian countries. The Vice President of the Czech Republic’s Confederation of Industry and Transport Bohuslav Čížek also called for the same step.

At the same time, Fiala warned that China might shift its exports to the EU as a result of American tariffs. According to him, this would also harm Czech companies, and it is necessary to defend against such a development. Stanjura mentioned the possible introduction of European tariffs on Chinese products in this context. “We do not oppose fair competition, but if someone has an unfair advantage, we must neutralize it so that our companies do not enter into competition with a disadvantage,” he said. According to him, Chinese companies receive state support and do not have to meet as strict environmental standards as European ones. (April 9)