Washington (TDI): Maros Sefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security of the European Union Commission, met with the United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Thursday.
They discussed mutual trade and benefits and the potential effects of US tariffs.
In order to resolve the issues, the EU trade chief urged the US Secretary of Commerce to understand the position of the European Union.
He further requested a strategy that brings mutual gains for both sides.
Maros Sefcovic said in a four-hour meeting with the US trade representative that Europe will defend its interests.
The European Union is keeping an eye on its interests, just like the United States, he said.
The EU trade chief suggested that to prevent unnecessary suffering from measures and countermeasures, Europe wants a productive dialogue with the US.
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Maros thought his meeting with Howard Lutnick was crucial as it would persuade the US to reconsider its tariff strategy.
He highlighted the EU-US economic partnership worth $1.7 trillion.
He also asked the US to grasp the issues comprehensively to solve them.
The US and the EU face the same challenges of global overcapacities due to non-market practices, Maros acknowledged.
He also emphasized that the EU is part of the solution, it’s not part of the problem.
The EU trade chief claimed that integrating the strategic supply chains of both parties would benefit the US and the EU.
By strongly emphasizing on finding the solutions to problems that help people economically on both sides of the Atlantic, even when there is no consensus between the parties, Maros Sefcovic clearly delivered the message of fair trade to the US.
This visit of the EU Trade Chief to the US and his meeting with the US trade representative amid a new tariff declaration by the US shows the EU’s effort to avoid a tariff war in the region.
US President Donald Trump has announced that he will impose 25% tariffs on autos, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals in his neighborhood.
