In response to US steel and aluminum tariffs, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker immediately condemned that as “protectionism, pure and simple”. The US actions are “unjustified” and “at odds with WTO rules”. “So we will immediately introduce a settlement dispute with the WTO and will announce counter balancing measures in the coming hours.”
Also, in a press release, Juncker added that the US was “playing into the hands of those responsible for the problem”. He pledged that “we will defend the Union’s interests, in full compliance with international trade law.”
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Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom also said in the same statement that “the U.S. has sought to use the threat of trade restrictions as leverage to obtain concessions from the EU. This is not the way we do business, and certainly not between longstanding partners, friends and allies.”
She added “now that we have clarity, the EU’s response will be proportionate and in accordance with WTO rules. We will now trigger a dispute settlement case at the WTO, since these U.S. measures clearly go against agreed international rules.” And “we will also impose rebalancing measures and take any necessary steps to protect the EU market from trade diversion caused by these U.S. restrictions.”
EU’s statement here
