The European Union on Saturday criticized President Donald Trump's decision to double the tariffs for steel imports, from 25% to 50%, saying that it undermines efforts to reach a solution negotiated in the current commercial conflict.
Trump threatened the EU with 50% photo shutterstock rates
“We deeply regret the announced growth of US tariffs for steel imports,” said an EU spokesman in a NBC News statement.
“This decision adds even more uncertainty to the global economy and increases the costs for consumers and business from both banks of the Atlantic.”he continued.
The European official warned that the EU is ”Prepared to impose countermeasures, including in response to the last increase in US tariffs. ” In fact, the EU is already completing its consultations for an extended set of retrsency measures, which will enter into force on July 14 – or earlier, if necessary – in the absence of an agreement.
The Union of Steelworkers – USW) has also criticized Trump's announcement, saying it is “a direct attack on Canadian industries and workers ”.
“Thousands of jobs in Canada are in danger and communities that depend on steel and aluminum are endangered“Said Marty Warren, USW national director for Canada.
Trump announced on a meeting at the US Steel in Pennsylvania on Friday that it will double steel rates to increase the pressure on manufacturers depending on industrial metals. The new rates would enter into force on June 4.
Trump also mentioned ”an agreement ” Between Nippon Steel and US Steel, although he said that the agreement is not yet completed. He promised that there will be no redundancies or outsourcing as a result of this agreement.
However, the Plan of the Trump administration has encountered an obstacle this week, after the US International Court of International Commerce has stopped almost all specific tariffs on countries, considering that the president has surpassed his authority.
Although a court of appeal suspended the decision of the Court, for the moment, the decision has affected the broader strategy of the administration, which is based on the threat of high rates to force the renegotiation of commercial agreements.
