In a speech at the European Parliament Plenary, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the rising protectionism and the new tariffs imposed by the United States, highlighting their significant impact on the EU.
Recalling the US’s announcement of 25% tariffs on imports of steel, aluminum, cars, and car parts, von der Leyen warned that additional sectors, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and timber, are likely to face tariffs next. She pointed out that on April 2, the US began applying reciprocal tariffs on nearly all goods from various countries globally.
While emphasizing the EU's openness to negotiations, von der Leyen declared, "We will approach these negotiations from a position of strength." She added, "Europe holds a lot of cards, from trade to technology to the size of our market," but stressed that the EU’s strength also lies in its readiness to take firm countermeasures if necessary.
Von der Leyen also noted that the EU is committed to diversifying its trade by engaging with fast-growing markets worldwide, highlighting that the EU has trade agreements in place with 76 countries, including recent deals with Mercosur (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay), Mexico, and Switzerland.
As reported earlier, the EU has delayed the first phase of its countermeasures to US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports until April 13, instead of the previously scheduled date of April 1, to allow for more time for EU-US negotiations.
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