30% tariff on EU imports to US 'prohibitive' to trade - commissioner
The European Commissioner for trade Maros Sefcovic said the EU is disappointed by a letter from US President Donald Trump threatening to impose 30% tariffs on EU imports.
On Saturday, President Trump wrote to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stating that the tariffs would be applied from August 1.
Speaking in Brussels this morning (Monday, July 14) ahead of an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Commissioner Sefcovic said a 30% tariff rate would be “prohibitive” to mutual trade.
"We noted with regret and disappointment the letter sent by the United States president to the European Union, especially considering the advanced stage of our ongoing negotiations.
"As you know, the European Union has approached these talks in a good faith and with full intensity throughout. Let's be honest an idea of 30% tariff rate is effectively prohibitive to the mutual trade.
"We remain convinced that our transatlantic relationship deserved a negotiated solution, one that builds the basis for a new stability and cooperation.
"That is why we continue to engage with the United States administration and prioritise a negotiated solution by the new deadline of August 1," he said.
Commissioner Sefcovic said that he intends to speak with his US counterparts again later today, adding that he "cannot imagine walking away without genuine effort".
"Having said that, the current uncertainty caused by unjustified tariffs cannot persist indefinitely.
"Therefore, we must prepare for all outcomes including, if necessary, well-considered, proportionate counter measures to restore the balance in our transatlantic relationship.
"I will be discussing with ministers the steps for the upcoming weeks. I see this focused on four areas: negotiations; rebalancing measures; engagement with like-minded partners, and diversification of our trade.
"We are doubling down on efforts to open new markets," he said.
"We feel a huge responsibility for the biggest trading relationship on this planet - $1.7 trillion [annually]. $400 billion flying across the ocean every single day in the form of goods and services.
"Therefore, we are showing enormous patience and almost creativity to find the solutions, but if it stays 30% plus, simply the trading as we know it will not continue without a huge negative effect on both sides of the Atlantic," the commissioner added.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris described the letter from the US president as "deeply regrettable".
"There is no necessity to escalate the situation or to further increase the additional tariffs which have been imposed on the EU.
"The government strongly supports the efforts by the European Commission to reach a mutually beneficial agreement with the US.
"The EU is at the negotiating table and will remain there. Now is the time to redouble our efforts and to seek to achieve positive results in the time available," he said.
The Tánaiste is due to meet with the US ambassador to Ireland, Edward S. Walsh, today.
Irish food and drink exports to the US reached €1.9 billion in 2024, accounting for just over 11% of Ireland's total food and drink exports.
