EU offered 'zero-for-zero' deal to US weeks before tariff announcement
a year ago
- #EU-US trade relations
- #tariffs
- #retaliation
- The EU proposed a 'zero-for-zero' tariff deal on cars and industrial goods to the US before Trump's trade war.
- EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič mentioned the proposal was made during a meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on February 19.
- The EU remains open to negotiations but warns it will not wait indefinitely to defend itself, listing retaliatory measures as an option.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the 'zero-for-zero' offer remains on the table.
- Trump dismissed the EU's offer, criticizing the EU and insisting on energy purchases from the US.
- The EU is considering exempting US bourbon whiskey from retaliatory tariffs, amid internal disagreements.
- EU member states will vote on retaliatory tariffs targeting US goods like Harley-Davidson motorcycles and orange juice.
- France and Ireland have lobbied to remove bourbon from the retaliation list due to potential economic impacts.
- Germany's Economy Minister Robert Habeck warned against exemptions, arguing they weaken the EU's position.
- Italy suggested delaying counter-tariffs until April 30 to allow more time for dialogue.
- The EU's anti-coercion instrument could be used to take wide-ranging measures against the US if necessary.
- Trump's tariffs have caused global stock market turmoil, affecting €382bn of EU exports to the US.
- Elon Musk's call for free trade between the US and Europe was dismissed by Habeck as a sign of weakness.
- Hungary and Italy's leaders expressed concerns over the tariffs, urging negotiations to protect businesses.