EU, U.S. Hold Talks to Avert Tariff War as Trump Prepares New Trade Measures

The European Union’s trade commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, met with top U.S. trade officials to discuss looming tariffs on EU goods, but the outcome of the talks remained uncertain. Sefcovic held discussions with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett, emphasizing the EU’s priority for a fair and balanced trade deal instead of punitive tariffs. However, previous negotiations have failed to change President Donald Trump’s plan to impose reciprocal duties on major trading partners, with the EU and other nations preparing countermeasures.

As Trump plans to announce his “Liberation Day” trade policy on April 2, India is considering cutting tariffs on half of U.S. imports, while Canada remains cautious about rushing into negotiations. The EU has signaled willingness to discuss reducing automotive tariffs on both sides, but retaliatory measures such as a 50% duty on U.S. bourbon could escalate tensions. Trump has warned of additional tariffs on autos, pharmaceuticals, and aluminum, with White House officials stressing that non-tariff barriers and currency policies will also factor into the new duty calculations.

Meanwhile, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated his country is prepared to introduce countermeasures depending on Trump’s actions. The U.S. Treasury has identified 15 countries, dubbed the “Dirty 15,” with the highest trade surpluses against the U.S., including China, the EU, Mexico, and India. As Washington gathers public comments on reciprocal tariffs, global trade tensions continue to rise, with the EU delaying its first set of countermeasures until mid-April.

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