The European Union is preparing to react to new tariffs expected from the United States, with a French spokeswoman stating the response will occur before April’s end. Initially, the EU will address previously established tariffs on steel and aluminum in mid-April followed by a comprehensive analysis across sectors leading to a united decision. French President Macron is scheduled to discuss this with EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. However, the EU Commission emphasized that it, not France, leads on trade matters, asserting the need for a coordinated EU stance.
"There will be two responses. The first, which will take place in mid-April, is a response to the tariffs already decided on steel and aluminium," Sophie Primas said.
"France doesn't speak on behalf of the European Union when it comes to trade policy. We do," Olof Gill, the commission's trade spokesman, told reporters in Brussels.
"The president has been in contact with the leaders across the EU, obviously, on this important subject, so that we really have a coordinated response with the input of the various leaders," spokeswoman Paula Pinho said.
"Then, there will be a detailed study, sector by sector, and a European decision should be announced before the end of April, in a coordinated, united, and strong way."
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