The European Commission on Saturday said it “strongly regrets” the United States’ plan to double tariffs on imported steel, calling the move unhelpful for the global economy and ongoing trade talks.
“We strongly regret the announced increase of US tariffs on steel imports from 25% to 50%,” a European Commission spokesperson said in a statement emailed to Reuters.
US President Donald Trump on Friday announced that his administration would raise tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from 25% to 50%. The change adds pressure on international steel producers and continues his government’s wider trade policies.
Story continues below this ad
“This decision adds further uncertainty to the global economy and increases costs for consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic,” the spokesperson of the European Commission added.
The Commission also said the decision could make it harder to reach a negotiated agreement. “The tariff increase also undermines ongoing efforts to reach a negotiated solution,” the statement said.
The new US tariffs are expected to affect several global steel exporters, including some EU member states.