On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced a 90-day suspension of increased tariffs.
The European Union had previously supported retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. in response to American duties on steel and aluminum, but has now decided to pause these measures to allow space for negotiations, despite U.S. tariffs still being in effect.
„We took note of the announcement by President Trump.We want to give negotiations a chance,” emphasized Ursula von der Leyen. She noted that, for this reason, retaliatory tariffs will be suspended for 90 days.
„While finalising the adoption of the EU countermeasures that saw strong support from our Member States, we will put them on hold for 90 days,” the politician added, stressing that "If negotiations are not satisfactory, our countermeasures will kick in. Preparatory work on further countermeasures continues."
In line with von der Leyen, "all options remain on the table."
„I welcome President Trump’s announcement to pause reciprocal tariffs. It’s an important step towards stabilizing the global economy. Clear, predictable conditions are essential for trade and supply chains to function, ” noted the President of the European Commission in an earlier post on X (formerly Twitter).
According to her, tariffs harm both businesses and consumers, which is why she has long supported a zero-for-zero tariff agreement between the EU and the U.S. While the EU is committed to constructive trade negotiations with the U.S., it is also expanding its trade partnerships with countries that account for 87% of global trade, focusing on a free and open exchange of goods and services.
Donald Tusk, the head of the Polish government, also responded to the global upheaval caused by the American tariffs.
PM Tusk on Washington's tariff decision: 'Let's make the best of the next 90 days'
"Maintaining close transatlantic relations is a common responsibility of Europeans and Americans, regardless of temporary turbulences. So let’s make the best of the next 90 days," wrote Polish Prime Minister Tusk on his X (formerly Twitter) profile Wednesday evening.
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Source: IAR/PAP/X/@donaldtusk/@vonderleyen