The European Union (EU) will not give up its commercial partnership with the United States, assured, Wednesday, April 23, Valdis Dombrovskis, its economy commissioner, even if it intends to conclude new partnerships in the context of the trade war launched by Donald Trump. “The European Union does not abandon its closest, deepest and most important partnership, that with the United States”He said at a forum in Washington.
Since his return to power on January 20, Donald Trump has imposed a 10 % surcharge on most countries in the world, including the EU, which he has also threatened with more severe measures in the event of reprisals. The American president has also set up 25 % from certain sectors such as steel and aluminum and on cars imported in the United States.
Dozens of trade partners of the United States, including the EU, try to negotiate with the teams of President Donald Trump an agreement to avoid these punitive customs rights. “We have a window to negotiate now”,, estimated Valdis Dombrovskis on the sidelines of meetings organized by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in the American capital. “We have said very clearly that we wanted a negotiated solution [plutôt que de riposter par des droits de douane sur les produits américains]we have highlighted several concrete proposals, such as buying more American liquefied natural gas (…) or to reduce customs duties to industrial products on both sides ”continued the European Commissioner. “On our side, we made proposals and are ready to negotiate. (…) Currently, we would indeed like to have more clarity on expectations on the American side ”he added.
The European economy commissioner insisted on Wednesday that Washington and Brussels should need each other “In an increasingly conflicting and competitive world”. However, even if the EU seeks to deepen existing partnerships, it will “Also seal new in the world to strengthen [sa] economic security at home “he added.
“Negotiate a win-win agreement for both parties”
Moreover, noting that Europe has “Late” Compared to the United States and China in certain advanced technologies, Dombrovskis said that it was determined to catch up, as a strategic priority.
For his part, the Minister of the French Economy, Eric Lombard, said he ” convinced “, Wednesday, in Washington on Wednesday, that current turbulence around customs duties imposed by the United States government were going to find a way out. “I am convinced that the current period of turbulence is worrying but temporary”said the Minister at an event on the sidelines of meetings organized by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in the American capital. He also said that “The sooner would be best” To conclude an agreement with the United States in order to settle commercial disputes. The EU, he recalled, “Seeking to negotiate a solution, an agreement that would be a winner for both parties”.
At the same time, he added, she stands ready to retaliate to customs duties already set up by the American executive. “I want to insist on the fact that we really hope that we will not have to take such actions thanks to obtaining an agreement with the United States”he continued, by sending “A message of unshakable friendship and optimistic to our American friends and allies”.
Source: Lemonde