Brussels: European Union leaders called on Friday for a temporary exemption from US import duties on steel and aluminium to be made permanent, saying they reserved the right to respond in an "in a proportionate manner" to protect the bloc's interests.
The 40-day exemption granted by Washington was like US President Donald Trump "putting a gun to our head", Belgium's prime minister complained. The EU's trade negotiator demanded that the United States drop "artificial deadlines".
Trump said on Thursday he would suspend tariffs for the EU, the United States' biggest trading partner, as well as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and South Korea. The tariffs are suspended until May 1 as discussions continue.
In a joint statement, EU heads of state and government, meeting for a regular summit in Brussels, said the measures could not be justified on national security grounds the basis cited by Washington.
"The European Council regrets the decision by the United States to impose import tariffs on steel and aluminium," they said. "Sector-wide protection in the US is an inappropriate remedy for the real problems of overcapacity."
"The European Council strongly supports the steps taken by the Commission to ensure that the interests of the EU are fully protected and to reserve its rights, in compliance with World Trade Organisation rules, to respond to the US measures as appropriate and in a proportionate manner."
Cecilia Malmstrom, the trade commissioner who negotiates on behalf of the 28 nations, said Europeans did not want to be penalised by actions prompted largely by accusations of Chinese dumping and said Washington and Brussels should be cooperating.
"The US and EU should be tackling such issues together. We now look forward to pursuing a dialogue with the US on trade issues of common concern, such as global steel overcapacity," she said on Twitter.
"These discussions between allies and partners should not be subject to artificial deadlines."
British Prime Minister Theresa May told reporters in Brussels that Europe would now work to see how a permanent exemption could be secured.
French and German officials welcomed Trump's decision to spare European industry.
The exemption from tariffs followed Malmstrom's trip to Washington for talks with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.
Europe says it wants to avert a trade war but on Friday its leaders warned Trump they would respond with counter-measures if the White House proceeded with higher barriers on US metals in May.
The European Commission has proposed that, if tariffs are eventually imposed, the bloc should challenge them at the World Trade Organization, consider measures to prevent metal flooding into Europe and impose import duties on US products to "rebalance" EU-US trade.
The Commission's Malmstrom said the EU was keeping its options open.
Countermeasures could include EU tariffs on US oranges, tobacco and bourbon. Harley-Davidson Inc motorcycles have also been mentioned, targeting Republican US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan's home state of Wisconsin.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said the EU did not want a trade war but would respond "firmly" if the president took "the wrong decision".
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel underlined the irritation among some EU leaders at Trump's negotiating tactics.
"I have the impression that the US leader wants to negotiate with the European Union by putting a gun to our head," Michel said as he arrived at the EU summit.
"That's a strange way to negotiate with an ally."
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The 40-day exemption granted by Washington was like US President Donald Trump "putting a gun to our head", Belgium's prime minister complained. The EU's trade negotiator demanded that the United States drop "artificial deadlines".
Trump said on Thursday he would suspend tariffs for the EU, the United States' biggest trading partner, as well as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and South Korea. The tariffs are suspended until May 1 as discussions continue.
"The European Council regrets the decision by the United States to impose import tariffs on steel and aluminium," they said. "Sector-wide protection in the US is an inappropriate remedy for the real problems of overcapacity."
Advertisement
Cecilia Malmstrom, the trade commissioner who negotiates on behalf of the 28 nations, said Europeans did not want to be penalised by actions prompted largely by accusations of Chinese dumping and said Washington and Brussels should be cooperating.
Advertisement
"These discussions between allies and partners should not be subject to artificial deadlines."
Advertisement
French and German officials welcomed Trump's decision to spare European industry.
Advertisement
Europe says it wants to avert a trade war but on Friday its leaders warned Trump they would respond with counter-measures if the White House proceeded with higher barriers on US metals in May.
Advertisement
The Commission's Malmstrom said the EU was keeping its options open.
Countermeasures could include EU tariffs on US oranges, tobacco and bourbon. Harley-Davidson Inc motorcycles have also been mentioned, targeting Republican US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan's home state of Wisconsin.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said the EU did not want a trade war but would respond "firmly" if the president took "the wrong decision".
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel underlined the irritation among some EU leaders at Trump's negotiating tactics.
"I have the impression that the US leader wants to negotiate with the European Union by putting a gun to our head," Michel said as he arrived at the EU summit.
"That's a strange way to negotiate with an ally."
© Thomson Reuters 2018
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Awkward, Exposed, Lacking Direction: Why Donald Trump Is Struggling How Rupert Murdoch Helped Create A Monster - The Era Of Trumpism - And Then Lost Control Of It For Debate Against Kamala Harris, Donald Trump Picks This Hindu American Life On Earth Originates From One Ancestor, Older Than Previously Believed Omar Abdullah On What Should Be J&K Assembly's 1st Move After Polls Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah To Be Prosecuted In Land Scam Case TasteAtlas Shares Top 10 Best And Worst American Foods, Internet Disagrees Telangana Man Dies In US, Family Asks Government To Help Bring Back Body JAM 2025: All You Need To Know About Joint Admission Test For Masters Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.