Tariff negotiations with US "advancing in the right direction," says EU commissioner

4 June 2025

Negotiations between the European Union and the United States on trade tariffs are “moving in the right direction,” European Trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said on Wednesday, following a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the sidelines of an OECD ministerial summit in Paris.

In a brief statement, Šefčovič described the talks as “productive and constructive". “We’re advancing in the right direction at pace - and staying in close contact to maintain the momentum,” the commissioner said.

The meeting comes in the wake of the U.S. decision to double tariffs on European steel and aluminium imports - from 25 per cent to 50 per cent. Additional tariffs of 25 per cent apply to cars and car parts, and most other products face a 10 per cent tariff. A planned “reciprocal” EU tariff of 20 per cent remains on hold pending the outcome of negotiations.

Earlier this week, a European Commission spokesperson reiterated the EU’s “strong regret” over Washington’s tariff hike, saying it undermines “ongoing efforts” to reach a negotiated solution.

US president Trump threatens EU with 50% tariffs from June

US president Donald Trump has threatened on his social media channel Truth Social to impose 50 per cent import tariffs on goods from the European...

belganewsagency.eu

Companies in trouble

Industry groups have echoed these concerns. Eurofer, the European steel industry association, called on both sides to quickly reach an agreement. The higher tariffs, it said, amount to an import ban: “Even the most competitive and highest quality steel products in Europe are being priced out of the market.”

The impact is already being felt beyond the steel industry. Belgian brewery Huyghe, best known for its Delirium Tremens beer, warned that it may have to halt exports to the U.S. altogether. It exports approximately 25,000 hectolitres of beer to the US every year, generating a turnover of 12 million dollars.

If the talks fail to yield progress, the EU is prepared to launch countermeasures before the current pause ends on 14 July. These would include import duties on €21 billion worth of U.S. goods - already approved by EU member states - as well as up to €95 billion in additional tariffs still under discussion.