Key points
- EU Condemnation – The European Commission warns that US tariffs on European goods are unlawful and economically harmful.
- US Tariff Announcement – President Trump announced 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium, with more expected.
- EU Awaits Formal Notification – European officials state they have not received official communication from Washington regarding the tariffs.
- Economic Impact – The EU argues that tariffs will increase costs, fuel inflation, and disrupt global trade networks.
- Ireland’s Vulnerability – Taoiseach Micheál Martin will discuss the potential risks to Ireland and EU trade policies with European leaders in Brussels.
The European Commission has issued a stark warning that any tariffs imposed by the United States on European goods would be both unlawful and economically harmful.
On Sunday night, US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium products entering the United States, while also hinting at additional reciprocal tariffs set to be revealed later this week.
European officials have stated that Washington has yet to provide any formal notification regarding these tariffs or any further trade restrictions.
A spokesperson for the European Commission emphasized that the EU would not respond to speculation, stating that they require written clarification or official details from the US before taking any action.
In an official statement, the Commission asserted that there is no legal basis for imposing tariffs on European exports. They warned that if such measures were enacted, the EU would take necessary steps to protect European businesses, workers, and consumers from what they deem as unjustified trade restrictions.
The Commission also highlighted that tariffs are, in effect, taxes, and that by imposing them, the US would be taxing its own citizens, increasing costs for businesses, and fueling inflation. They further warned that such measures would increase economic uncertainty and disrupt the efficiency of global trade networks, which rely on deeply integrated production chains between Europe and the United States.
Meanwhile, in Brussels, Taoiseach Micheál Martin is set to meet with European Council President Antonio Costa. Among the topics of discussion is the newly established Programme for Government, with US trade policies and the potential impact of tariffs expected to be a key part of the conversation.
Ireland remains particularly vulnerable to US-imposed tariffs, as well as any broader efforts by President Trump to target European tax policies that he perceives as unfairly affecting American corporations.
On Sunday night, US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium products entering the United States, while also hinting at additional reciprocal tariffs set to be revealed later this week.
European officials have stated that Washington has yet to provide any formal notification regarding these tariffs or any further trade restrictions.
A spokesperson for the European Commission emphasized that the EU would not respond to speculation, stating that they require written clarification or official details from the US before taking any action.
In an official statement, the Commission asserted that there is no legal basis for imposing tariffs on European exports. They warned that if such measures were enacted, the EU would take necessary steps to protect European businesses, workers, and consumers from what they deem as unjustified trade restrictions.
The Commission also highlighted that tariffs are, in effect, taxes, and that by imposing them, the US would be taxing its own citizens, increasing costs for businesses, and fueling inflation. They further warned that such measures would increase economic uncertainty and disrupt the efficiency of global trade networks, which rely on deeply integrated production chains between Europe and the United States.
Meanwhile, in Brussels, Taoiseach Micheál Martin is set to meet with European Council President Antonio Costa. Among the topics of discussion is the newly established Programme for Government, with US trade policies and the potential impact of tariffs expected to be a key part of the conversation.
Ireland remains particularly vulnerable to US-imposed tariffs, as well as any broader efforts by President Trump to target European tax policies that he perceives as unfairly affecting American corporations.
