Partial truce between the EU and the United States on customs duties on metals

Since 2018, the taxes imposed by Donald Trump on aluminum and steel have caused a real trade war with the European Union.

© AFP / Jean-Pierre Clatot / File

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The European Union and the United States will begin talks to resolve their steel trade dispute.

Solutions will have to be found by the end of the year.

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The European Union and the United States recognize "

 the need to find effective solutions 

" to preserve their "

 essential industries

 " in the face of global overcapacity of steel and aluminum, " 

due in large part to third parties

".

It is China which is singled out in this joint declaration, accused of supporting "

policies having distorting effects on trade 

".

The European Commission has announced that it is therefore suspending for a maximum period of six months its plan to increase taxes on a number of products ranging from lipstick to sports shoes and a doubling of customs duties to 50%. on imports of American bourbon, motorcycles and motor boats.

Since 2018, the taxes imposed by Donald Trump on aluminum and steel have caused a real trade war with the European Union.

At the time, it was a question of fighting against the massive imports of these metals which “ 

constitute a threat to national security 

”.

Donald Trump then asserted on Twitter: " 

a country which does not produce its own steel and aluminum is not a country

 ".

The European Union subsequently taxed 2.8 billion euros on American products, including motorcycles, whiskey and orange juice.

The objective of Brussels and Washington is to reach an agreement "

before the end of the year

". 

► To read: Trade war with Boeing: Airbus and the European Union between appeasement and threat

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