The European Commission is gearing up to press the United States this week to reduce or eliminate tariffs on steel and aluminum, even after President Donald Trump said he would double import duties to 50%.
Good call with @POTUS.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 25, 2025
The EU and US share the world’s most consequential and close trade relationship.
Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively.
To reach a good deal, we would need the time until July 9.
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic will meet U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at an OECD event in Paris on Wednesday, while technical talks continue between the EU and Washington.
“We don’t want tariffs to rise, we want them to fall or disappear,” a Commission spokesperson said, emphasizing that resolving the trade dispute is a top priority.
The EU currently faces 25% steel tariffs and reciprocal duties on many U.S. goods. The Commission warned that if no deal is reached, EU counter-tariffs on $24 billion in U.S. imports could take effect by mid-July, possibly targeting $109 billion in goods.
