Tariffs, EU Commission admits, “US don’t seem committed to a deal”

Brussels – Two weeks after the announcement of U.S. tariffs on European products, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič admits for the first time that “the U.S. administration does not seem committed to making a deal” to avoid a risky trade war with Brussels. Šefčovič himself had traveled to Washington in February for a series of talks that the European Commission has consistently described as “productive.”

At this point, the scenario of the imposition of 25 per cent customs tariffs “on European cars and everything else,” as stated by Donald Trump last February 25, is getting even closer. Šefčovič revealed the ineffectiveness of contacts with the Trump administration at a press conference with Korean Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo, with whom he signed an agreement on digital trade today (March 10). This is part of the trade diversification effort the EU is putting in place precisely to mitigate the consequences of the rift with Washington.

The finalized agreement with Seoul aims to make it easier for European companies to give services to their South Korean customers and to secure benefits for European consumers from regulations and protection measures against unsolicited communications. A “historic” agreement that underscores the commitment “to a solid and reliable partnership, fit for today’s rapid digital developments,” Šefčovič stressed.

The commissioner highlighted the gap with Washington: “The European Union will act in the same way as the USA looks after its interests: we will always protect European companies, workers, and consumers from unwarranted pressure,” he clarified. Šefčovič and his Korean counterpart emphasized “the importance of mutually beneficial rules on data and digital technologies,” which essentially complement the free trade agreement that Seoul and Brussels have had in place since 2010 and which, since its implementation in 2011, has grown bilateral trade “to record levels” of €132 billion in 2022.

The offended European Union seeks allies, and it is not misleading at this point to read Šefčovič’s statements through the lens of the soured relationship with Washington. “It is in our interest to continue working with like-minded countries, such as the Republic of Korea, to establish global standards for digital trade rules and cross-border data flows,” he insisted. He went on to anticipate, “I will be speaking with my counterpart from Thailand in a few minutes as we continue to expand our network of trade agreements in all key regions. And we want to maintain this momentum.”