‘Essentially prohibitive’ is the proposed by Donald Trump duty 30% in European Union products are for transit trade and could justify retaliation, said the leader of the bloc.
Informing reporters in Brussels on Monday (14.7.2025) before a meeting of the Ministers of Commerce on duties, Maros Sefsovic warned that countermeasures could be on the table as an option to counterattack in Donanld’s contributions.
“The current uncertainty caused by unjustified duties cannot continue indefinitely. Therefore, we need to prepare for all the results, including – if needed – well -thought -out, proportional countermeasures for the restoration of balance in our transatlantic relationship, ”said Sefcovic.
EU Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is about to speak with US counterparts later on Monday, after Trump’s warning of 30% of its exports to the US from August 1, according to Bloomberg.
Sefcovic’s comments indicate the risk of escalating the debate on bilateral relations that Brussels officials estimate are the most important in the world for trade and investment.
“We feel enormous responsibility for the biggest commercial relationship on this planet,” Sefcovic said, stressing that the EU wants a solution with negotiations.
Pressures to change tactics are increasing, at least by France. In a hardening of the tone, Finance Minister Laurent Saint-Martin said the block should now be open to a more strong response.
“The priority is for the EU to remain united. But obviously the situation from Saturday should lead us to change method. We need to present in a specific and clear way the EU’s ability to put on the table, to retaliate, “Sefcovic added.
In addition, he noted that any action that could include the choice of services and the development of the medium against coercion, the most powerful EU commercial tool. This measure has never been used to date.
The EU is going to extend the suspension of duties on US steel and aluminum products worth 21 billion euros ($ 24.5 billion), in a sign that Brussels want to avoid an immediate escalation.
The block has another replacement package for goods worth about 72 billion euros, as well as some export controls, which will be discussed by the Member States today.
The ministers who participated in the Brussels Summit expressed both their surprise and their determination after Trump’s threat to duties issued on Saturday (July 12, 2025).
“The US is taking a risk,” said Finnish Foreign Trade Minister Vile Tavio, warning that any countermeasures would hit the US economy. “Talks cannot be one -sided,” he added.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Locke Rasmussen told reporters that the EU should find a balance between avoiding escalation and the “readiness to answer”.
“We want an agreement with the US, but it must be a fair agreement – we are 450 million citizens in the European Customs Union, which gives us great influence. But if you want peace you need to prepare for war, and I think we are at this point, “Rasmussen said.
In the meantime, the EU is preparing to intensify its commitment to countries affected by Trump’s duties, following a series of new threats to the bloc and other US trade partners. Nations contacts such as Canada and Japan could include coordination.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Laien will speak with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday, a Brussels official said.