European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said the bloc intended to conclude a trade deal with the United States “in good faith” based on “mutual respect, not threats.”
US President Donald Trump is threatening to impose 50 percent tariffs on all EU goods exported to the US.
After speaking by phone with US Trade Representative Jamison Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Mr Sefcovic said on Friday evening that the 27-member group was “fully engaged and committed to reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement.”
“Trade between the EU and the US is unique and should be based on mutual respect, not threats,” he wrote in a post on X.
“We are ready to defend our interests.”
On Friday, Mr Trump said the talks were “going nowhere” and recommended imposing a 50 per cent tariff on 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 made outside the US, and warned that similar tariffs would be imposed on other foreign smartphones.
Mr Martin warned of the potential consequences of introducing such high tariffs.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
