Renew Europe deplores the Trump administration's decision to impose new tariffs on cars, light trucks and car part imports. The European Union must react firmly and decisively.
We do not want a trade war with the United States; we regret this tariff escalation. However, the EU cannot be steamrolled and it must bring out the sledgehammer; it has the means to react and strike where it hurts so that the United States returns to a reasonable attitude. It is in no one's interest to undermine the foundations of a trade relationship that benefits everyone.
Renew Europe strongly supports the Commission in its determination and commitment to react on already decided tariffs on steel and aluminium if no negotiated solution can be found. But we also call on the Commission to be ready to impose new targeted and proportional tariffs
The President of the United States has threatened to impose even higher tariffs if the EU and Canada join forces in response to this new decision on car imports. This is unacceptable blackmail, and Europe must not and cannot be run over. EU has a good and beneficial trade agreement with Canada; we must be ready to build on it and explore ways to deepen trade relations with other reasonable partners.
Marie-Pierre Védrenne (Modem, France), Renew coordinator for the International Trade committee said : “We firmly support the European Commission who acts effectively and in a targeted manner to defend the interests of Europeans. We must not refrain from using our anti-coercion instruments to defend our economy and our businesses. Europe remains opposed to any trade battle. It's clear that President Donald Trump is continuing his logic of protectionist measures and destabilization of the international order. Faced with this, we will fight with determination.”
Karin Karlsbro (Liberalerna, Sweden), Renew rapporteur on the US said : “Trump's tariffs will hurt businesses and hit consumers even harder, both in the U.S. and the EU. We want to avoid a trade war, but we won’t let ourselves be steamrolled. The EU has a strong toolbox and is ready to respond together with our partners. Our efforts to strengthen EU trade relations with the rest of the world continues. We are open for business."
