European Commission says will ‘keep our options open’ over Trump tariff threat
politico.eu • • nation
Key Points:
- The European Commission is considering its response as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to raise tariffs on European automobiles and auto parts from 15% to 25%, escalating the risk of a transatlantic trade war.
- Trump announced the tariff increase on social media, citing the EU's alleged non-compliance with a trade deal reached last summer at Turnberry, Scotland.
- The EU insists it is implementing the Turnberry agreement according to standard procedures and has kept the U.S. informed, while European Parliament officials have condemned the U.S. threat as a breach of commitments.
- Tensions persist over the deal's implementation timeline, with the U.S. criticizing the EU's slow tariff reductions and Europe opposing high U.S. tariffs on its aluminum and steel exports.
- EU governments remain divided on additional safeguards, delaying progress, though key political figures urge swift conclusion of negotiations to avoid prolonged uncertainty for businesses.
