شيفتشوفيتش: رسوم الجمارك على واردات الاتحاد الأوروبي ستُعيق التجارة

The Chief Trade Negotiator of the European Union, Maroš Šefčovič, warned that the announced 30% U.S. tariffs on EU imports would severely impact transatlantic trade and supply chains.

EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič stated, "Regarding the increase in tariffs set to take effect from August 1, there will be a huge impact on trade, and it will be nearly impossible to continue trading as we have in transatlantic relations."

Šefčovič, who leads the European negotiating team in the trade dispute with Washington, confirmed that the U.S. tariffs hinder trade.

He added that the EU has shown great flexibility in seeking solutions with the United States regarding the tariff increase, in the interest of all parties involved.

Earlier, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala clarified that the plan to impose a 30% tariff on EU goods would negatively affect transatlantic trade, emphasizing in statements to Radio Prague International today the importance of continuing negotiations with the United States to avoid escalating economic tensions.

The Czech Prime Minister noted his country's support, along with other EU members, for the ongoing diplomatic efforts, stressing the necessity of European unity and adopting a unified approach to protect the economic interests of the bloc and ensure fair treatment for European companies.

The U.S. tariffs are set to take effect on August 1.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed France's strong discontent via the X platform. He called on the EU to firmly defend European interests after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 30% tariff on European goods starting August 1.

For his part, the French President urged the European Commission to accelerate preparations for credible countermeasures by mobilizing all available tools if an agreement is not reached by August 1.

He clarified that the EU has been negotiating with Washington for several weeks on a basis of solid and good-faith offers. He emphasized that it is up to the Commission now more than ever to affirm the Union's determination to firmly defend European interests.

Macron stated, "France fully supports the European Commission in the negotiations that will intensify to reach an agreement acceptable to both sides by August 1, reflecting the respect that should be afforded to trading partners like the EU and the United States, and the shared interests."

French Minister of Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin suggested the possibility of a proportional response from France, particularly concerning American goods and services, if Brussels does not reach a fair agreement with Washington.