Edith Hejberg
Despite the bleak outlook, Malmström expressed hope that a constructive trade dialogue with the U.S. could still be possible.
The European Union is preparing for a new wave of trade tensions with Washington as the U.S. is expected to impose tariffs or quotas on European steel and aluminum exports. The move could come as early as this Friday, according to top EU officials.
Trade chief Malmström sees little hope for avoiding penalties
European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström voiced skepticism after a meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. “Realistically, we do not think we can hope for a deal that avoids new trade measures”, she admitted.
EU still pushing for a positive trade relationship
Despite the bleak outlook, Malmström expressed hope that a constructive trade dialogue with the U.S. could still be possible.
“Hopefully we will be able to have a positive agenda with the U.S. side, with no tariffs or quotas,” she said.
Commission urges EU countries to ‘prepare for the worst’
A European diplomat revealed that member states have been warned to brace for impact.
“The Commission told us to prepare for the worst,” the diplomat said, suggesting an announcement from Washington is imminent.
Wilbur Ross: Talks can happen with or without tariffs
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross pushed back against EU concerns.
Speaking at an international panel, he said, “There can be negotiations with or without tariffs in place.”
Ross says EU already imposes tariffs on U.S. goods
Ross defended the U.S. position by pointing to existing European tariffs on American imports. “It’s not that we can’t talk just because there’s tariffs,” he added, downplaying the significance of potential new barriers.
TTIP talks remain a sore spot between Washington and Brussels
The long-stalled Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) was also mentioned.
Ross rejected the notion that the U.S. pulled out of the deal, saying, “It is not quite accurate to say the U.S. stopped the talks on TTIP.”
Trump administration insists it’s open to talks
According to Ross, the U.S. has made multiple overtures to the EU.
“We’re prepared to engage with the EU,” he said, claiming that Washington has made its willingness clear “in every single public speaking engagement.”
Washington criticizes EU for lack of interest
While the U.S. says it’s open to negotiating, Ross accused the EU of dragging its feet.
“The EU has showed relatively limited interest in serious negotiation with us,” he argued, pointing to a growing frustration in the Trump administration.
Steel and aluminum at the heart of the dispute
The core of the dispute lies in American plans to hit EU steel and aluminum with new import restrictions.
The move is part of President Trump’s broader push to reduce U.S. trade deficits and protect domestic industry.
EU faces tough decisions on how to respond
Should the U.S. move forward with tariffs or quotas, the EU may respond in kind.
Retaliatory measures are likely on the table, escalating an already tense transatlantic relationship.
Diplomatic efforts offer little reassurance
Despite recent high-level meetings, little progress appears to have been made. Malmström’s comments reflect a sobering outlook after her talks with Ross, suggesting that hopes for a breakthrough are fading.
Friday deadline looms large for EU-U.S. trade relations
All eyes are now on Washington as the Friday deadline approaches.
If no exemption is granted, a new phase of transatlantic trade friction could begin, one with broader implications for global markets.
