EU trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom reiterated today that the US should end the steel tariff threats to the EU. And EU’s position is clear that there would be discussion of closer trade ties only if EU is granted permanent exemptions from the steel tariffs. However, Malmstrom also noted that “they don’t think it is enough”, referring to the lack of response from the US.
Separately, German economy minister Peter Altmaier urged more work on trade deal with the US as time is running out for a deal over the steel tariffs.
The current temporary exemption for EU will expire on June 1.