Brussels: The European Commission has extended an offer to the United States to eliminate tariffs on all industrial goods as part of ongoing trade negotiations, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced. She emphasized her readiness to counteract the policies of Donald Trump if discussions do not succeed.

According to Emirates News Agency, Trump has declared a 20% tariff on imports from the European Union, which is scheduled to be implemented on April 9th. This tariff will affect a wide range of products, including steel, aluminum, and cars, which are subject to a separate 25% tariff. Overall, more than £380 billion worth of EU-manufactured goods will be impacted.

Certain sectors such as pharmaceuticals, copper, lumber, semiconductors, and energy will not be subjected to these tariffs. President von der Leyen stated, “We stand ready to negotiate with the US. Indeed, we have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods as we have successfully done with many other trading partners.”

She further added, “Because Europe is always ready for a good deal. So we keep it on the table. But we are also prepared to respond through countermeasures and defend our interests.”