“Negotiations on US tariffs in critical condition”

Brussels – Sweden voted yes when EU countries approved countermeasures against US tariffs. The second package that was voted through on Thursday includes countermeasures totaling 72 billion euros, plus some export restrictions. Together with previous packages, this means countermeasures totaling 93 billion euros.

Intensive negotiations are ongoing to reach a trade agreement before the end of the month.

“They are in a very critical situation,” says Swedish Minister for Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa at a press conference.

“There are additional tools in the toolbox that we can resort to if we do not feel that the US is moving towards a solution with us.”

The EU’s tactic is to put further pressure on the US administration by presenting new countermeasures, while keeping all doors open for negotiations.

Olof Gill, political spokesperson for the EU Commission on trade issues, tells TT that the EU and the US are now very close to an agreement.

“We have made it clear to the Americans what we can and cannot agree to now. It is now their responsibility to explain to us whether they are willing to make a deal or not. If they are willing to meet us halfway, we can reach an agreement within the next week, perhaps sooner.”

(July 24)