BRUSSELS, March 12. /TASS/. European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen has called EU countermeasures to US tariffs on European steel and aluminium "strong but proportionate," according to a statement released by the EC.
"The European Union must act to protect consumers and business. The countermeasures we take today are strong but proportionate," von der Leyen said, adding that the introduction of countermeasures worth 26 billion euros "matches the economic scope of the tariffs from the United States."
Countermeasures will be introduced in two steps, the EC chief noted. "Our countermeasures will be introduced in two steps, starting with April 1 and fully in place as of April 13," she said.
Brussels is ready "to engage in a meaningful dialogue" with Washington, von der Leyen said. "I have entrusted Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic to resume his talks to explore better solutions with the United States," she concluded.
On February 10, US President Donald Trump ordered to impose customs tariffs in the amount of 25% on imports of steel and aluminium to the US from other countries. The decision that takes force on March 12, concerns deliveries from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, the UK, the EU, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and Japan.