EU Suspends Countermeasures Against US Tariffs for 90 Days: Trump Calls It "Very Wise"
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday, April 10 that the EU's decision to suspend its countermeasures against US tariffs for 90 days was a "very wise" move. After Trump announced the suspension of reciprocal tariffs on countries other than China, the EU immediately declared it would "suspend" its countermeasures against Trump's tariffs for 90 days.
According to AFP, Trump stated at a White House cabinet meeting on Thursday that "they (the EU) were ready to announce countermeasures but then learned what we did with China and other countries... so they said, 'Let’s wait and see.'" Trump also reiterated his criticism that the EU has "always been trying to take advantage of the United States from the very beginning."
Following Trump's announcement of the suspension of reciprocal tariffs on countries other than China, the EU declared on Thursday that it would "suspend" its countermeasures against Trump's tariffs for 90 days.
AFP reported that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on social platform X on Thursday: "We note President Trump's decision to suspend certain tariffs. We hope to create opportunities for negotiations."
Von der Leyen pointed out that the 27 EU member states had planned to launch a second round of countermeasures this week to respond to the 20% tariff increase imposed by the US on cars and other European products. However, after Trump's announcement, the EU decided to press the "pause button" in sync.
Von der Leyen emphasized: "If no satisfactory results are achieved through negotiations, our countermeasures will be immediately implemented." She added: "All options remain on the table."
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič subsequently held consultations with Trump administration officials David Lipton and Greg Tent. He stated that the EU maintained "daily communication and close contact" with the US side to create conditions for advancing negotiations "forward."
In recent months, the US has implemented three rounds of tariff measures against the EU, covering steel, aluminum, automobiles, and a 20% general tariff on all EU products. The EU had previously taken countermeasures on steel and aluminum and planned to impose additional tariffs on US motorcycles, soybeans, and poultry products.
According to AFP, another consequence of the US tariff offensive has been the acceleration of the restructuring of global trade relations. The EU announced on Thursday that the 27 member states will initiate free trade agreement negotiations with the UAE.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829059069464596/
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