The American President Donald Trump has prolonged the validity of the import taxes on steel and aluminium from the EU in the height of twenty five resp. ten percents for one month – to June 1st, 2018.
The European Commission has in its statement from May1st, 2018, acknowledged the american decision, however with remark that the exception is still not valid »completely and on long term« and that it prolongs the unsecurity on the European market. Furthermore the decision will result in possible effects on business decisions of European companies. The President of the European Commission Jean- Claude Juncker stressed the continuous preparation of EU regarding the negotiations of the access to the American market, however Europe – as a longterm partner and friend of the USA is not ready to negotiate under pressure and warnings.
As a reason for imposing tariff measures Trump mentioned the inbalance in the trade with Europe – the EU surplus in trade with USA was in last year around 120,8 billions of Euros. If the import duties are implemented on June 1st without agreement, EU will prepare a corresponding list of american goods in the value of 2,8 billions of Euros, which could be in revenge debited by the European tariff measures.
