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EU, US Trade Chiefs to Meet in Paris Amid Tariff Dispute
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Economy & Trade

EU, US Trade Chiefs to Meet in Paris Amid Tariff Dispute

From Asharq Al-Awsat · (1h ago) English Mixed tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • EU and US trade officials are set to meet in Paris following President Trump's threat to impose a 25 percent tariff on EU cars.
  • The US accuses the EU of failing to adhere to a previous tariff agreement, citing slow progress on tariff bills and amendments that could undermine the deal.
  • The EU insists it is committed to the agreement and is keeping Washington informed, while refusing to speculate on retaliatory measures if tariffs are imposed.

The transatlantic trade relationship faces renewed tension as top European Union and United States trade officials prepare to meet in Paris. This high-stakes discussion comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's latest threat to significantly increase tariffs on European automobiles, a move that could destabilize the automotive sector and broader economic ties.

The European Union's trade chief Maros Sefcovic will hold talks with his US counterpart on Tuesday in Paris, following President Donald Trump's latest tariffs threat.

— EU spokesmanAnnouncing the upcoming meeting between EU and US trade officials.

The US justification for this potential tariff hike centers on accusations that the EU has not fully complied with a trade agreement reached last summer. Specifically, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer pointed to perceived delays in the European Parliament's processing of related legislation and amendments that could alter the terms of the pact. This perspective suggests a frustration in Washington with the pace of European regulatory processes.

Trump said Friday that he will hike US levies on EU cars and trucks from this week to 25 percent, accusing the bloc of not complying with a tariff agreement reached last summer.

Detailing President Trump's tariff threat and his stated reason.

Conversely, the European Union maintains its commitment to the agreed-upon terms, emphasizing that it has kept the US fully informed throughout the implementation phase. EU spokesman Thomas Regnier stressed that "work is ongoing. Progress is being made," aiming to reassure the US side. While the EU has not ruled out options, it has adopted a measured stance, stating a focus on implementation rather than escalation. The upcoming meeting is crucial for de-escalating the situation and finding common ground to uphold the existing trade framework.

They've moved a tariff bill along in the European Parliament. It's been very slow. He noted the move also had some amendments that would 'limit the deal'.

— Jamieson GreerUS Trade Representative, explaining the US perspective on the EU's compliance with the trade agreement.
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Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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