“We expect theEuropean Union as a whole is on a list of US duty-free areas on steel and aluminum”. The EU trade commissioner said Cecilia Malmstroem, speaking in the European Parliament after returning from a trip to the United States.
Malmstroem added that the US president, Donald Turmp, should make an official announcement to this effect this afternoon. The announcement concerns "possible exemptions: we expect the EU to be on this list", but "we are not sure, in the end it is the President who decides".
Earlier this month Trump announced duties of 25% on steel imports and 10% on aluminum imports from China and other major manufacturers. “This measure – explained the president – is destined to last quite a while”.
The entry into force is scheduled for tomorrow, but a few hours ago the trade representative of the United States, Robert Lighthizer, speaking before the members of the committee of the US House, confirmed that the American administration is discussing a potential exemption of Australia, Argentina and the European Union. I'm already outside the perimeter of duties Canada and Mexico, America's partner in NAFTA.
Meanwhile, today the trade war could enter a new phase. At 12.30 am (17.30 pm in Italy) Donald Trump is expected to sign a provision imposing duties on imports from China of products belonging to 100 trade categories, from footwear toConsumer electronics. The document would also contain restrictions on Chinese investment in the US. According to reports from the New York Times, the new tariffs would be worth at least 50 billion dollars.
Today's announcement comes following an investigation by the White House accusing China of intellectual property violations and undue pressure to transfer technology to American companies.
China's Commerce Ministry has said it will take "all necessary measures" to defend themselves by the new tariffs and that Beijing condemns the unilateralism of the American decision as well as the protectionism that inspires it.
