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Madrid – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation of the Government of Spain, José Manuel Albares, has assured that the EU, which is the one with trade responsibilities, is “prepared for any eventuality” waiting for an official communication about the import tariffs on steel and aluminum announced by the U.S. President, Donald Trump.
In statements to the press, Albares emphasized that “it’s difficult to comment on what is, at the moment, just an announcement” since the European Commission has not yet received “official communication.”
“We need to see the details and, if confirmed, how it is confirmed,” he emphasized after Trump announced that the United States would impose tariffs of 25% on the steel and aluminum that the United States imports starting this Monday.
Nonetheless, recalling that trade policy is the responsibility of Brussels, he stressed that “the European Union, of course, is prepared for any eventuality and to defend the interests of the European Union and the single market.”
A single market, added the Foreign Minister, “in which we want to advance by eliminating barriers to generate all the benefits and integration of our economies and industries that it has been providing over the decades.”
Albares took the opportunity to remind that the trade relationship between the EU and the United States “is the largest in the world and is mutually beneficial.” The United States is the first customer and the first investor for the EU and vice versa, he highlighted, reiterating the European will to “maintain that trade relationship.” (February 10)