Trade ministers of the European Union (EU) agreed that while they seek constructive trade negotiations with the next U.S. administration, they must be prepared to retaliate if the U.S. imposes new tariffs.
On the 21st (local time), according to major foreign media, Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU's Executive Vice President for Trade, held a press conference after a meeting with trade ministers within the EU and made these remarks.
He said there was broad agreement to maintain "constructive cooperation" with the U.S., not to reopen past trade disputes, and to avoid new conflicts. He added, "However, if new measures are taken against the European economy or European companies, we must be ready to respond in a coordinated, precise, and proportionate manner."
President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly pledged to impose a universal tariff of 10-20% on all imports. He also criticized European car manufacturers and announced plans to impose broad tariffs. This implies that if the U.S. imposes tariffs, the EU will take corresponding measures.
The EU previously experienced trade friction with the U.S. when President-elect Trump imposed tariffs on EU steel and aluminum during his first term.
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