Decision occurs after Trump’s retreat in the application of general rates. European bloc paralyzes measure to negotiate with the United States.
The European Union (EU) announced on Thursday (10/04) the suspension for 90 days of retaliatory tariffs imposed on imports from the United States, while negotiating with the government of President Donald Trump, who wages a war with his business partners. The decision occurs after Washington temporarily retreating to the application of general tariffs.
The announcement comes a day after the block agreed to tax a series of US imports by 25% in response to Trump’s steel and aluminum aluminum tariffs for about a month. The European Commission has not yet presented a formal response to 20% reciprocal tariffs that Trump imposed against the EU.
“We want to give negotiations a chance,” said European Commission chairman Ursula von der Leyen. “If negotiations are not satisfactory, our contracted will come into force.”
Partial setbacks
The now suspended rates were expected to reach 21 billion euros (about $ 133 billion) in US products, targeting products and commodities such as soy, fruits, motorcycles, beauty products, clothing and floss.
This was the first EU retaliation in the trade war of “reciprocal tariffs” launched by the US President. In recent weeks, the block had repeatedly emphasized its willingness to reach a negotiated solution.
Earlier Thursday, von der Leyen greeted the partial setback of the US government to allow negotiations.
The day before, Trump had announced on his own social network, Truth Social, which would maintain 10%rates, but would suspend additional rates for all trading partners who did not retaliate against the US and requested a negotiated solution, including the EU, to which it had initially attributed a 20%rate.
“It’s an important step in stabilizing the global economy,” said von der Leyen. “Clear and predictable conditions are essential for the operation of trade and supply chains.”
Despite the willingness to achieve a commercial agreement with the US, the EU is still focused on diversifying business alliances, collaborating with countries that share their commitment to free trade.
Fierce war with China
Despite temporarily reducing tariffs, Trump decided on Wednesday to increase the rate on Chinese products, thus deepening the trade war between the two largest economies in the world.
In response, the Chinese imposed 84% tariffs on US imports. The Republican said he had hoped that “in the near future, China realizes that the days of exploitation of US and other countries are no longer sustainable or acceptable.”
China rejected what it called the US threats and blackmail. A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said the country will “continue to the end” if the US government follows the same way. According to the ministry, Beijing’s door is open to dialogue based on mutual respect.
While Trump does not rule out a resolution with China, his government officials claim that the priority is negotiations with other countries, such as Vietnam, Japan and South Korea.
Originally published by DW on 10/04/2025
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2025/04/10/uniao-europeia-suspende-por-90-dias-tarifas-contra-eua/
