EU trade commissioner rejects proposed US import tariffs

The European Union has taken a firm stance against the United States’ recent implementation of global import duties, according to statements from EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.

In an interview with The Financial Times, Sefcovic characterised the 10% tariff rate as “very high” and made it clear that the European bloc would not accept an agreement maintaining tariffs at this level. The commissioner described the combined potential duties threatened by US President Donald Trump as reaching “astronomical figures.”

Despite the tensions, Sefcovic noted that negotiators are making “certain progress” toward reaching a trade agreement between the two economic powers.

The tariffs in question were announced by President Trump on April 2 and implemented in two phases – a universal 10% duty that took effect on April 5, followed by country-specific tariffs beginning April 9. These measures impact goods from 185 countries and territories worldwide.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​