Brussels, 12 February 2025
The aim of the talks convened by the Polish Presidency was, among others, to take stock of the latest developments and prospects for engagement with the United States. The Ministers also discussed a potential joint response to President Trump’s decisions.
Krzysztof Paszyk, Polish Minister of Development and Technology, chaired an informal video conference of trade ministers today with participation of Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič. The meeting was organised in connection with the US announcement of tariffs on steel and aluminum, which will affect the entire European Union. Deputy Minister Michał Baranowski also participated in the event.
We held our first discussion on EU-US trade relations under the new US administration only eight days ago, but very significant changes have taken place since then. I am sure that everyone agrees that organising this informal video conference at such short notice was the right thing to do.
Trade Ministers Video Conference Call
Summarising the talks, Minister Paszyk thanked everyone for their contributions and assessments: Today’s meetings showed that the Member States are united and determined to protect the European steel and aluminum sector from potential market destabilization. And although the EU-US partnership is of strategic importance, Poland will support the European Commission to be active in such cases and to react proportionately and responsibly if necessary. At the same time, we want to maintain the offer of positive cooperation with the US – so as to jointly remove barriers on the transatlantic market or take care of economic security.
Context
On 10 February 2025, it was announced that the US would reinstate tariffs on steel and aluminum. All existing exemptions and arrangements with the EU and other countries are to be terminated on 12 March. From that date, all imports of steel and steel-derived products from the EU (and other sources) will be subject to additional ad valorem tariffs of 25%. As for aluminum imports to the US, tariffs are to be raised from 10 to 25% from March 12.
The topic of customs duties was the first item on the agenda of the Polish government meeting held on 11 February. As Prime Minister Donald Tusk said, we will certainly prepare an appropriate, but balanced and rational European response. – It is also important for me and for all of us that the European Union acts in solidarity here. I mean, whatever the direction, and it must be, as I said, balanced, it is also important that everyone sticks together. Difficult times require such full solidarity – said the Prime Minister.
On the same day, EC President Ursula von der Leyen issued a statement expressing deep regret over the US decision to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminium exports. She said that the unjustified tariffs on the EU would not go unanswered and would trigger strong and proportionate countermeasures. She stressed that the EU would act to protect its economic interests.
Source – Polish EU Presidency