EU Trade Chief Heads to Washington on February 17 to Counter Trump’s Tariff Plans

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Top-level trade talks with U.S. officials aim to prevent economic fallout

EU Trade and Economic Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is set to visit Washington on February 17 as concerns over U.S. trade policies escalate. His visit comes amid rising tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of sweeping tariffs on steel and aluminum, along with potential reciprocal tariffs on imports from key trading partners, including the European Union.

According to reports from Politico and other sources on February 15, Šefčovič is scheduled to meet with several high-ranking U.S. officials, including Howard Lutnick, nominee for Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamie McGreer, and Kevin Hassett, the director of the National Economic Council. These discussions are seen as a critical move by the EU to mitigate potential economic disruptions caused by Trump's aggressive tariff policies.

During the Munich Security Conference, held just days before his scheduled Washington trip, Šefčovič stated that the EU is prepared to engage in comprehensive negotiations to avoid unnecessary trade conflicts. "Why should we suffer from these measures? If there are issues, let's sit down and resolve them," he remarked. He also indicated that the EU is open to lowering its 10% auto tariff and increasing imports of American liquefied natural gas (LNG) and soybeans as part of a broader effort to ease tensions.

Trump’s New Tariff Strategy Could Hit EU Hard

Trump’s administration is intensifying its protectionist stance, having signed an executive order on February 13 directing a comprehensive review of all factors affecting trade imbalances, including tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and currency policies. The results of this review are expected by April 1, with Trump hinting that additional auto tariffs could be implemented as early as April 2. This decision could have a substantial impact on the EU, which, along with South Korea, is among the largest exporters of automobiles to the U.S.

Moreover, starting on March 12, Trump plans to impose a blanket 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports. Given that the EU conducts annual trade worth approximately €1.5 trillion with the United States, such measures could significantly disrupt transatlantic commerce.

In response, the European Commission issued a strong statement on February 14, denouncing Trump’s proposed trade policies as misguided. "The EU maintains some of the lowest tariffs globally and rejects any justification for the U.S. raising duties on its exports," the statement read.

EU Warns of Retaliatory Measures

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been vocal about the EU's readiness to retaliate against any new U.S. tariffs. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, she emphasized that the EU will utilize all available measures to protect its economic interests. "We will defend our workers, businesses, and consumers in every possible way," she asserted.

As tensions rise, Šefčovič’s Washington trip is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the EU’s strategy in dealing with the Trump administration’s escalating trade policies. Whether diplomatic efforts will succeed in averting a full-scale trade war remains uncertain, but the EU is making it clear that it will not back down without a fight.

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