EU reacts to Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariff on its products

EU in an emailed statement, said it “will always protect European businesses, workers, and consumers from unjustified tariffs.”

By Kehinde Okeowo

The European Commission (EU) has said it will react “firmly and immediately” to the decision of the United States President, Donald Trump to impose 25% tariff on imports from its members.

According to Reuters, the commission while responding to the development, said it will react to “unjustified barriers to free and fair trade, including when tariffs are used to challenge legal and non-discriminatory policies.”

Speaking via an emailed statement, the union’s spokesperson added that, “The EU will always protect European businesses, workers, and consumers from unjustified tariffs.”

Prior to this response, Trump had said his administration will slap 25% tariffs on imports from the region.

He also alleged that the 27-country bloc was “formed to screw the United States”.

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Speaking at his first cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump said, “We have made a decision and we’ll be announcing it very soon. It’ll be 25%.”

Reacting to the remark, EU spokesperson said: “The European Union is the world’s largest free market. And it has been a boon for the United States.”

The commission further said, by creating a large and integrated single market, “the EU has facilitated trade, reduced costs for U.S. exporters, and harmonized standards and regulations across 27 countries.

“As a result, U.S. investments in Europe are highly profitable.”

The spokesperson added, “Europe stands for dialogue, openness and reciprocity. We’re ready to partner if you play by the rules. But we will also protect our consumers and businesses at every turn. They expect no less from us.”