The 30 percent trade tariff that the US will impose from August threatens to “disrupt transatlantic supply chains,” warns EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Port of Rotterdam also fears disruption, as it handles a large amount of exports from other EU countries to the US.
Von der Leyen sees disadvantages for “businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic,” she reacted on Saturday. Earlier in the day, Trump announced that the US will impose a 30 percent tariff on exports from the US from August 1.
According to Von der Leyen, the European Commission will “take all necessary measures to protect the EU’s interests.” According to her, this may also include countermeasures. In any case, the EU remains willing to negotiate with the US.
António Costa, President of the European Council, called the tariffs “a tax.” According to him, “they fuel inflation, create uncertainty and hamper economic growth.” Earlier on Saturday, Schoof described the tariffs as worrying “and not the way forward.”
Port of Rotterdam also fears disruption
A spokesperson for employers’ organization VNO-NCW called the levy “a new attempt to increase the pressure,” according to news agency ANP. The employers’ organization hopes “to quickly reach a structural solution that is good for both parties.”
The Port of Rotterdam also expects consequences. According to a spokesperson, especially loading parties will be affected because an important part of the EU’s exports to the US goes through the Port of Rotterdam. The spokesperson adds that the US is the fourth largest customer of goods produced in the Netherlands.