The European Union’s trade chief on Friday warned of possible retaliation if U.S. President Donald Trump’s plans to impose hefty tariffs on imported steel and aluminium apply to Europe.
Speaking in Singapore, EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said any move that would target Europe would be “deeply unfair”.
“We are discussing different measures. Everything from bringing the case to the WTO (World Trade Organisation), alone or with partners who are also affected, and also safeguard measures and possible retaliation.
“These are things we are discussing internally in the (EU)Commission and with our member states. But obviously nothing will be announced until we know the full extent of these measures,” Malmstrom said.
Earlier on Friday, Australia’s trade minister also said the planned tariffs risk retaliation from other economies and could cost jobs, while China predicted harm to trade if other countries follow the example of the U.S.
Fears of an escalating trade war roiled Asian markets, hitting the share prices of steelmakers and manufacturers supplying U.S. markets particularly hard. (Reuters/NAN)
