European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said the bloc was committed to reaching a trade deal with the US “in good faith” based on “mutual respect and not intimidation”.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 50 percent tariffs on all EU goods imported into the US.
After a phone call with US Trade Representative Jamison Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Mr Sefcovic said on Friday evening that the 27-member bloc was “fully engaged and committed to reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement.”
“Trade between the EU and the US is unique and should be built on mutual respect, not threats,” he wrote in a message on X.
“We are ready to defend our interests.”
On Friday, Mr Trump said the talks were “not getting anywhere” and recommended a 50 per cent tariff starting June 1.
Stocks fell in the US, EU and UK after Trump's latest tariff threats.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said Trump's actions came as a “surprise”, stressing that the EU was working “in good faith” with the United States to reach a trade deal.
The US president also announced a 25 percent tariff on all Apple iPhones manufactured outside the US, warning that tariffs would also be applied to other foreign-made smartphones.
Mr Martin warned of the consequences of introducing such high tariffs.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
