The European Commission criticizes President Trumps proposed reciprocal trade policy, viewing it as detrimental to global trade. The EU is committed to maintaining an open and predictable trading system that benefits all partners.
The EU has some of the worlds lowest tariffs and sees no justification for the US increasing tariffs on EU exports. Such tariffs, essentially taxes, could raise costs for American businesses, stifle growth, and fuel inflation, increasing economic uncertainty and disrupting global markets.
For decades, global trade has thrived under predictable, transparent rules and low tariffs. The EU has worked closely with partners like the US to reduce global trade barriers, reinforcing openness through binding commitments in a rules-based system. The USs current stance undermines these efforts.
The EU, one of the worlds most open economies, allows over 70% of imports duty-free. Its average applied tariff on imported goods is among the lowest globally, emphasizing the EUs commitment to economic integration and barrier-free trade.
The EU advocates for mutually beneficial trade partnerships grounded in transparency and fairness. It boasts the largest and fastest-growing network of trade agreements worldwide, having negotiated and concluded over three times as many agreements as the US.
In response to unjustified trade barriers, the EU promises firm action to protect its businesses, workers, and consumers from unfair tariff measures.