The EU is open to lowering tariffs on US industrial goods and boosting purchases of American exports, Trade Chief Maros Sefcovic said in Washington.Talks with Trump’s team focused heavily on the auto industry.
The EU’s 10% tariff on US cars contrasts with the 2.5% US rate.Trump has threatened higher auto tariffs and will impose 25% steel and aluminum tariffs from March 12, citing unfair trade policies like the EU’s value-added tax.The EU aims to find common ground with the US on trade, Trade Chief Maros Sefcovic said.
Both sides have exchanged trade concerns, and the EU is open to lowering tariffs on industrial goods.Sefcovic urged cooperation against global overcapacity, especially in steel, calling China a key issue. “Let’s not target each other’s steel and aluminum sectors,” he said.
Sefcovic noted Europe’s need for more energy as it moves away from Russian gas, highlighting its strong partnership with US LNG exporters.
He also pointed to US soybeans as another area for cooperation.In 2018, during Trump’s first term, the EU agreed to boost purchases of US soybeans and LNG.
