THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION has called for Washington to abide by the terms of the trade deal struck last year with the EU, as President Donald Trump announced new global tariff hikes following an adverse Supreme Court ruling.
It has also requested “full clarity” on the steps the US intends to take following the recent Supreme Court ruling against the taxes.
Today’s statement from Ursula von der Leyen’s commission came on foot of Trump declaring he is raising the worldwide tariffs on goods entering the United States from 10% to 15% “effective immediately,” in response to the Supreme Court largely striking down his sweeping duties.
The Commission said in a statement today:
A deal is a deal. As the United States’ largest trading partner, the EU expects the US to honour its commitments set out in the Joint Statement -just as the EU stands by its commitments.
The commission added that when applied “unpredictably”, tariffs are “inherently disruptive” and undermine confidence and stability across global markets and across international supply chains.
It added that EU products “must continue to benefit from the most competitive treatment, with no increases in tariffs beyond the clear and all-inclusive ceiling” previously agreed with the US.
The Commission said its Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič spoke with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer yesterday as part of its effort at finding out the next steps Washington will take.
“We will continue to work towards lowering tariffs, as provided for in the Joint Statement. The EU’s priority is to preserve a stable, predictable transatlantic trading environment, while also acting as a global anchor for rules-based trade,” the commission said.
With reporting by AFP
