Brussels – Ongoing negotiations between the European Commission (EC) and the US administration over reciprocal tariffs will see additional rounds, as announced by European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič. This update was shared on Friday evening by the Brussels correspondent for TASR.
Šefčovič took to the social media platform X to confirm that a two-hour video call had taken place with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Jamieson Greer, the top trade representative for US President Donald Trump. His office later corroborated this information to TASR.
Before the video conference, Šefčovič expressed the EU’s opposition to the proposed reciprocal tariffs, which were introduced by President Trump on Wednesday and could potentially cost EU nations up to 380 billion euros annually.
“I have made it very clear: American tariffs are harmful and unjustified,” Šefčovič remarked following the call. He indicated that the EU and US trade relationship needs a new strategy, asserting that the Union is committed to pursuing productive negotiations regarding the tariff system. However, he added that if negotiations fail, the EU is prepared to protect its interests.
Šefčovič assured that he is maintaining communication with his American counterparts. His office has reported that no new date for subsequent negotiations has been set yet.
Trade ministers from EU member states are expected to endorse the initial retaliatory actions against the US tariffs on European steel and aluminum during their meeting in Luxembourg on Monday (April 7). Furthermore, Šefčovič indicated that he would discuss potential countermeasures against the reciprocal tariffs announced by President Trump, which impact agriculture, machinery, and other sectors (April 4).
“I have made it very clear: American tariffs are harmful and unjustified.” Maroš Šefčovič
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