Overview

• EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has emphasized the need to avert economic harm from potential U.S. tariffs and EU countermeasures.
• Šefčovič expressed optimism about U.S. willingness to discuss mutual tariff reductions during meetings with Trump administration officials.
• The EU is open to negotiating its 10% car tariff as part of a broader deal, while also considering U.S. complaints about trade imbalances.
• Šefčovič warned the EU is prepared to retaliate if the U.S. imposes sweeping tariffs on sectors such as autos and semiconductors.
• The EU trade chief also proposed a 'Grand Bargain' that could address trade, tech regulations, and defense spending to strengthen transatlantic relations.