European Union trade ministers struck a cautious tone after their meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, resisting immediate retaliation against the United States' "reciprocal tariffs" and warning that "there are no winners" in a trade war.
The 27-nation bloc faces extensive U.S. tariffs, including 25-percent duties on steel, aluminum, and cars, plus 20-percent "reciprocal" tariffs on most other goods starting on Wednesday, though officials stressed they remain focused on finding a negotiated solution rather than matching all U.S. measures.
Speaking at a news briefing following the meeting, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said the EU is "in early stages of discussions" with the U.S. that are complicated "because the U.S. view tariffs not as a tactical step, but as a corrective measure".
He said the two sides agree that "the EU-U.S. trade relationship could benefit from a fresh look and a boost in strategic areas", noting both "face similar challenges".
He added the focus so far has been on finalizing steel and aluminum countermeasures, though the announcement of the new "so-called reciprocal tariffs … forces us to look at additional steps".
"After carefully reviewing all of it, we have worked to table a robust list of countermeasures, while balancing the burden across all member states. We will be sending the final list and tariff levels to them later today."
A member-state vote is set for Wednesday, "with the final list set to be adopted on April 15, and then duties on products will kick in on that day for the first set of measures, and on May 15 for the remaining ones", he said.
As the EU trade ministers arrived for the crucial talks, they offered differing perspectives to reporters, highlighting the complex challenge of forming a unified response.
Robert Habeck, Germany's economy minister, emphasized that the EU could maintain a strong stance against the U.S., provided the member states present a unified front.
"The stock markets are already collapsing and the damage could become even greater. It is therefore important ... to act clearly and decisively and prudently, which means realizing that we are in a strong position. America is in a position of weakness," Habeck said.
Laurent Saint-Martin, France's minister for foreign trade, advocated for potentially "extremely aggressive" countermeasures to the sweeping tariffs.
"We must not exclude any option on goods, on services ... and open the European toolbox, which is very comprehensive," he said, referring to the EU's anti-coercion instrument.
The Netherlands' Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Reinette Klever called for a measured approach.
"We need to get ourselves at the table with the Americans and see how we can lower these tariffs," she said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated that U.S. tariffs would only harm U.S. consumers and emphasized that while "Europe is always ready for a good deal", the bloc stands prepared to implement countermeasures and strengthen its single market, if necessary.
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