The European Union is offering the United States a zero-tariff trade agreement following the Trump administration’s imposition of new import taxes, including a 20% levy announced last week.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the proposal during a joint press conference Monday with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
“We have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods as we have successfully done with many other trading partners,” von der Leyen said.
“Because Europe is always ready for a good deal. So we keep it on the table.”
The move comes in response to escalating trade tensions following President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcement on April 2, which outlined a 10% global baseline tariff along with increased levies on several imports.
A second round of tariffs is scheduled to take effect on April 9.
Von der Leyen also noted that the EU remains open to negotiations but will act if necessary.
“We stand ready to negotiate with the US,” she said.
“We are also prepared to respond through countermeasures and defend our interests.”
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