The European Union is united on trade with the United States

The EU is looking for a permanent exemption from the 25% duty on steel, introduced by the US in March, and 10% on aluminum. The United States exempted the EU "28" of these surcharges, but only until June 1.
The question arises as to whether it is realistic to conclude a sectoral trade agreement between the EU and the US. “We know that some products are under the special care and interest of the US President, this is a well-known automotive industry,” the EU believes.

The EU continues to look forward to a "positive scenario" of negotiations, stressing that "it is difficult to imagine that any restriction on the market would be a unilateral restriction."

Last week, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker announced after a meeting of EU heads of state and government in Sofia, among other things in this regard, that the EU is ready to talk with the United States about strengthening cooperation in specific areas of trade. However, the condition is to exclude the EU due to restrictions on steel and aluminum.

EU trade ministers also authorized the European Commission on Tuesday to initiate trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand. These are the next countries with which the EU "28" wants to reach a free trade agreement. The EU Council stressed that the agreements with Australia and New Zealand are intended primarily to further reduce trade barriers, eliminate customs duties on goods and facilitate access to services and public procurement in these countries. Free-of-charge contracts for vehicles and the engineering, chemicals, food and services sectors are expected to benefit the most from free trade agreements.