Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday welcomed US President Donald Trump’s decision to pause for 90 days the weighty trade tariffs he had imposed on most nations.
On Wednesday, Trump unexpectedly changed direction, declaring a 90-day halt to the harsh tariffs he had recently implemented on various countries. This pause was announced after EU member states sanctioned retaliatory tariffs on €20.9 billion ($23 billion) worth of US goods in reaction to Trump’s earlier tariffs on their steel and aluminum imports.
How did Ursula von der Leyen welcome the Trump decision?
“I welcome President Trump’s announcement to pause reciprocal tariffs. It’s an important step towards stabilizing the global economy,”
Von der Leyen expressed.
“The European Union remains committed to constructive negotiations with the United States, with the goal of achieving frictionless and mutually beneficial trade,”
She also said.
Will the EU pursue a zero-for-zero trade deal?
Moreover, Von der Leyen grabbed the moment to, once again, stress her offer for a “zero-for-zero” tariff deal for all industrial goods between the EU and the US.
Earlier this week, Trump dismissed the proposal, arguing it didn’t adequately meet his requirements. He suggested that the EU should increase its imports of American energy to swiftly address the trade imbalance in goods.
“The European Union remains committed to constructive negotiations with the United States, with the goal of achieving frictionless and mutually beneficial trade,”
Stated the president of the European Commission.
I welcome President Trump’s announcement to pause reciprocal tariffs. It’s an important step towards stabilizing the global economy.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 10, 2025
Clear, predictable conditions are essential for trade and supply chains to function.
Tariffs are taxes that only hurt businesses and consumers.…
What are the EU’s next steps on trade policy?
Additionally, a commission spokesperson indicated that the retaliation plans the Commission had been carefully developing would be paused.
“The European Commission will now take the necessary time to assess this latest development, in close consultation with our member States and industry, before deciding on next steps,”
A spokesperson said.
The Commission has formed a task force to oversee the potential shift of Chinese goods, many of which receive substantial subsidies, from America to Europe. Concurrently, von der Leyen stated that the EU will persist in “diversifying” its trade relations by
“engaging with nations that represent 87% of global trade and uphold our commitment to free and open exchanges of goods, services, and ideas.”
