BRUSSELS: The European Union has accused the United States of failing to engage in meaningful talks to avoid a looming trade war, as tariffs on steel and aluminium imports are set to take effect this week.
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic expressed his concerns on Monday, highlighting that Washington does not appear willing to make a deal to avoid the imposition of hefty tariffs on EU goods.
Sefcovic, who travelled to Washington last month with the aim of initiating talks to prevent the trade dispute, told reporters in Brussels that the US administration had not shown interest in negotiating a resolution.
“The US administration does not seem to be engaging to make a deal,” Sefcovic said. He added that despite Brussels’ efforts to open a dialogue, “one hand cannot clap,” indicating the US’s reluctance to find a compromise.
President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the European Union, recently accusing the bloc of being formed to disadvantage the United States.
On Wednesday, the Trump administration is expected to implement a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports, a move that will affect not only the EU but also Canada, Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, and other trading partners.
The EU has warned that it will respond firmly if the tariffs go ahead. “As the US is watching over their interests, so is the European Union. We will always protect European businesses, workers, and consumers from unjustified tariffs,” Sefcovic said.
However, the EU remains open to dialogue and emphasised its desire for a constructive relationship with the US. “Our doors are open for constructive engagement,” he added.
The imposition of these tariffs has raised concerns across the EU, with industry groups warning that the levies would severely limit European exporters’ access to the US market and could lead to an influx of Chinese goods being diverted to the EU.
This could significantly damage European industries already struggling in the wake of global trade tensions.
Despite the looming threat of tariffs, Sefcovic insisted that the EU was committed to engaging with the US.
“We want to have a constructive and positive relationship with the United States of America,” he said. “The overall picture shows that EU-US trade relations are balanced and mutually beneficial.”
In response to the mounting US protectionism, the EU has sought to strengthen trade ties with other countries.
Sefcovic noted that the EU had recently signed a digital trade agreement with South Korea and was working to expand its network of trade agreements globally.
The EU is also pushing ahead with trade deals with the Mercosur bloc in South America, Mexico, and Malaysia, and strengthening its relationship with India.
Sefcovic also revealed that Brussels was prepared to discuss a range of measures, including boosting US purchases of European energy, weapons, and agrifood products, as part of efforts to avert the threatened tariffs.
The EU had also proposed cooperating with the US to tackle China’s “non-market practices,” which have contributed to uncompetitive conditions in both the EU and US metal industries.
