The European Union offers a zero tariff deal for us, but it is preparing for the trade war International Trade News

Brussels pays commercial conversations with Washington while preparing anti -definition measures.

The European Union has indicated its willingness to negotiate a trade -free trade agreement with the United States, but indicated that it was also ready for revenge if necessary.

On Monday, commercial ministers in Luxembourg met to discuss the bloc’s response to US tariffs to steel and aluminum, with most of them agreed that the launch of talks to avoid a comprehensive trade war must be priority.

After the meeting, the European Union Trade Commissioner Marus Sivkovic told the correspondents that anti -bloc measures will be modified after considering member states’ observations.

“When it comes to steel, aluminum and derivatives, we are talking about 26 billion euros (28 billion dollars),” he said. “We are ending the list tonight, but I can tell you that it will not reach the level of 26 billion euros, because we listen very carefully to our member states,” said Sivkovic.

European Commission President Ursula von der Layen said earlier that the European Union is ready to negotiate a “zero -zero” tariff agreement on industrial goods. However, the bloc confirmed that it will start imposing revenge duties on the imports of the United States selected next week.

“Urgent or later, we will sit at the negotiating table with the United States and find mutual concessions,” Civkovic said at a press conference.

He added that the first round of the European Union tariff for American goods will become valid on April 15, with a second wave on May 15, in response to Washington’s duties on European steel and aluminum.

Attractive on the table

While the European Union’s preference remains negotiations, Sivkovic warned that the bloc was ready to escalate its response if necessary. This can include the call tool ACI, allowing the European Union to restrict American companies to public contracts or targeted American services.

However, some European Union countries, especially those exposed to trade with the United States, have urged caution. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris has described “largely nuclear option” and said he believed that most European Union countries are not ready to approach him, at least at the present time.

The European Union faces 25 percent of the US tariff on steel, aluminum and cars, along with 20 percent of tasks on almost all other goods under US President Donald Trump’s policies.

In the war of definitions on goods, Brussels amounted to a lower space for maneuvering from Washington, as the total imports of commodities in the European Union from the United States amounted to 334 billion euros (366.2 billion dollars) in 2024, compared to 532 billion euros (582.1 billion dollars) from European Union exports to the United States.

Dutch Minister of Trade Rennette Claver urged restraint, warning that immediate escalation may disrupt the markets.

“We need to adhere to calm and respond in a way that spoils it. Stock markets now show what will happen if we escalate immediately. But we will be ready to take counter measures if necessary to get Americans on the table,” said Clever.

Despite the size of the European Union, the planned definitions remain controversial.

Trump has already threatened 200 percent of alcoholic projects in the European Union if the bloc continues with a 50 percent proposal for the American Bourbon. The move raised concerns in France and Italy, the main exporters of wine and lives.