https://arab.news/2nzpr
BRUSSELS: The European Commission has invited the sectors most impacted by US tariffs to an in-person meeting on Thursday, an invitation letter seen by Reuters showed, as the commission weighs new trade partnerships and further countermeasures.
The meeting led by the Commission industry chief Stephane Sejourne will include participants from the steel and autos industries. The meeting follows calls held by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with executives in the metals, pharmaceutical and auto industries.
The meeting is meant to find out what impact EU companies are already seeing in the 鈥渟hort and medium term鈥� and the best responses in terms of 鈥渟ector-specific policies as well as counter-tariffs and non-tariff counter measures,鈥� the invitation letter said.
On top of reciprocal tariffs, Washington has introduced sector-specific duties on steel, aluminum and vehicles.
The Commission is concerned about the forthcoming measures on 鈥減harmaceuticals, copper, semiconductors, lumber, energy products, and certain minerals鈥� and knock-on effects across supply chains. The Commission pointed to possible extra tariffs that may hit some EU companies that still use Venezuelan oil 鈥渄irectly or indirectly.鈥�
As the Commission looks to diversify its trade away from the US, it is seeking input from industry on the best tools to use whether they be free trade or partnerships.
鈥淭he two-hour meeting will be an opportunity to share views on the impact of the tariffs on various industrial sectors as well as the measures the EU could take to mitigate their effect,鈥� the letter said.