Šefčovič spoke with Lutnicky and Greer about American tariffs, negotiations are ongoing

Brussels – Negotiations between the European Commission (EC) and the US administration regarding the so-called reciprocal tariffs will continue with further rounds. This was stated on Friday evening by European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič, as reported by the Brussels correspondent of TASR.

Šefčovič confirmed on the social network X that the negotiations via video call with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and the highest representative of US President Donald Trump for trade Jamieson Greer lasted two hours. The cabinet of the Slovak European Commissioner subsequently confirmed this to TASR.

Shortly before the video conference, Šefčovič stated that the EU does not agree with the concept of reciprocal tariffs, the introduction of which was announced by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday and which could cost EU countries 380 billion euros annually.

“I have made it very clear: American tariffs are harmful and unjustified,” Šefčovič stated after the video conference. He specified that the trade relationship between the EU and the US requires a new approach, and according to him, the Union is determined to conduct meaningful negotiations on the tariff regime, but in the event of a failure of the negotiations, it is prepared to defend its interests.

Šefčovič emphasized that he remains in contact with his American partners. According to information from his cabinet, no further date for negotiations has yet been agreed upon.

Ministers of trade from EU member states are expected to approve the first retaliatory measures of the EU against American tariffs on steel and aluminum from Europe announced in March during a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday (April 7). However, Šefčovič specified that he will also discuss with the Council of Ministers the Union’s countermeasures against the reciprocal tariffs announced by Donald Trump this Wednesday, which concern agriculture, machinery, and other areas. (April 4)

“I have made it very clear: American tariffs are harmful and unjustified.” Maroš Šefčovič