Commenting on last night's statement from US President Donald Trump to temporarily exclude the EU from tariffs on steel and aluminium, Chair of Parliament’s International Trade Committee Bernd Lange (S&D, DE) said:
"A temporary exemption from the US punitive tariffs on steel and aluminium is important to protect the workers in the steel industry, but it can only be a small first step in the direction of respect of the rule of law. An exemption for a couple of countries does not make Trump's measures more legitimate. I expect from President Trump to fight unfair trade in the WTO and in the G20 Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity, but not through unilateral measures.
Moreover, as the Donald Trump's statement is only speaking about a temporary exemption until the 1st of May, it is clear that further talks are needed. Let's be clear: the EU should not negotiate under threat and there should not be any dirty deals.”