The European Union (EU) is willing to enter into negotiations with the United States and has proposed eliminating tariffs on industrial goods, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen announced on Monday.
Von der Leyen emphasized the negative impact of current tariffs, stating at a Brussels news conference, “These tariffs come first and foremost at immense costs for US consumers and businesses but, at the same time, they have a massive impact on the global economy.”
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The EU’s stance comes in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of significant tariffs on numerous countries. These tariffs have resulted in EU exports to the US facing a 20% “reciprocal” tariff, while the EU’s steel and auto industry is subject to a 25% tariff. Von der Leyen described these actions as a “major turning point” for the US, given their widespread economic consequences.
Despite the tensions, Von der Leyen expressed the EU’s willingness to negotiate. “Nonetheless, we stand ready to negotiate with the United States. Indeed, we have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods, as we have successfully done with many other trading partners, because Europe is always ready for a good deal,” she said.
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When questioned about the timing of the zero-tariff offer, Von der Leyen clarified that it was made “long before” Trump’s latest tariff announcement and had been “repeatedly” offered, particularly in the automotive sector. She highlighted the EU’s existing “zero for zero” tariff arrangements with other countries possessing strong automotive industries.
However, Von der Leyen also made it clear that the EU is prepared to take retaliatory action if necessary.
While a “negotiated settlement” is preferred, the bloc is “preparing a potential list (of US imports) for retaliation.”
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