Global Geopolitical Series: EU warns damaging relations with U.S. if tariffs imposed

Cecilia Malmström, the European trade commissioner has warned that the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration likely to cause a rift in transatlantic relations between the two biggest economic powerhouses. She added that if tariffs are imposed on the EU countries, the commission would respond in a firm and resolute manner.

Earlier this month, President Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs on Steel imports and 10 percent tariffs on all Aluminum imports, however, left provisions for exemptions through negotiations on better trade, security, and economic deal.  Ms. Malmström said that the EU has taken up its case to the United States’ Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer and has been told that the USTR will publish very soon on their website a more detailed outline of the procedures for the exclusions.

Before ending her briefing, she stressed that the U.S. decision to justify the tariffs on national security grounds based on old Cold War legislation from the 1960s risks undermining the current multilateral trading system and should EU be hit, it would be very damaging to the transatlantic relations.