EU principle is to stand against unjustified obstacles to free and fair trade
“The duties would call into question the spirit of cooperation that has long defined transatlantic relations,” the European Commission, stressing that he is ready to take the “necessary measures” to protect EU financial interests in response to potential unjustified duties from the US.
Asked about the announcement of US President Donald Trump on imminent steel and aluminum duties by the EU, Commission spokesman, all of commerce, responded that nothing has been disclosed to the committee for the time being. “There are only threats and nothing specific” and therefore, he said that “at this stage, we will not go into details of what can happen.”
However, the same spokesman explained the European view of the issue. First of all, he stressed that “As permanent allies, the EU and the US have built a strong economic partnership, based on common values, mutual trust and cooperation and duties would call into question the spirit of cooperation that has long defined transatlantic relations.”
He also noted that the EU benefits from the fact that it is one of the most open economies in the world. “The average duties applied to goods imported into the EU is very low. Over 70% of imports enter the EU with zero duties, “he said.
Continuing, Allf Jill said that the principle of the EU is to stand against unjustified obstacles to free and fair trade, adding: “We will always take the necessary measures to protect our financial interests as well as European businesses, workers and consumers from unjustified Tariff measures. We support mutually beneficial commercial relations, based on transparency, justice and common economic development. ” He also stressed that the Commission remains committed to the constructive dialogue with the US and will be “always ready” to participate in meaningful discussions about finding fair and mutual solutions that will respect our partnerships and our principles for open trade. “Now is time for cooperation, not for confrontation,” the committee’s spokesman said.
It is worth noting that the Commission today issued a first reaction to the possible imposition of US duties on steel and aluminum.
Specifically, in its statement, the Commission stresses the following:
“At this stage, we have not received an official notice of the imposition of additional duties on EU products. We will not respond to general announcements without details or written clarifications. The EU sees no excuse for imposing duties on its exports. We will react to protect the interests of European businesses, workers and consumers from unjustified measures.
The imposition of duties would be illegal and financially counterproductive, in particular the deep integrated production chains created by the EU and the US through transatlantic trade and investment. Invoices are essential taxes. By imposing duties, the US will tax their citizens, increase business costs and supply inflation. In addition, duties enhance financial uncertainty and disrupt the effectiveness and completion of global markets. “
