The EU said that it will respond firmly if the United States imposes tariffs on block products

The European Union (EU) He warned this Sunday that he will respond “firmly” if USA imposes tariffs on European products, in reaction to the decision of the government of Donald Trump to apply new levies to Canada, Mexico and China.

“The low customs tariffs promote economic growth and stability”said the European Commission In a statement. However, he stressed that he will retaliate if the block is subject to “unfair” commercial measures.

The agency also criticized the protectionist strategy of Washingtonstating that “tariffs create unnecessary economic interruptions and drive inflation.” In addition, he insisted that “open markets and respect for international commercial standards They are essential for strong and sustainable economic growth. ”

Although Trump has repeatedly threatened to tax European products, the European Commission said that until now he has not received official information about the application of these measures. “Our commercial and investment relations with the United States are the most important in the world. What is at stake is considerable “the statement said.

Trump demanded on Friday to the alliance of the old continent “Large Scale” purchases of oil and gas to avoid this type of measurement.

“Am I going to impose tariffs on the European Union? Do you want a truthful answer or should I give them a political answer? Absolutely. The European Union has treated us very badly ”the US president has stressed from the Oval Office.

For its part, the president of the European Central Bank (ECB), Christine Lagardesuggested that EU I could try to avoid a commercial climb buying liquefied natural gas and American weapons, instead of resorting to tariff reprisals.

Saturday, Trump fulfilled his warning and imposed a 25% tariff on products from Canada and Mexicoin addition to an additional 10% to those already in force on imports from China. The spokeswoman of the White House, Karoline Leavittconfirmed that these rates will immediately take effect.

In the case of China, said the White House, it is about An additional to the tariffs already in force about its exports to the United States.

Also, the order provides for the Cancellation of tariff exemption “De Minimis” With Canadafor shipments below USD 800, and contemplates a Mechanism to increase tariffs in case any of the three countries retaliate against the United States.

The measure, explained from the government, will govern Until nations cooperate with the United States In its fight against drug trafficking and immigrationtwo main themes on your agenda.

Donald Trump He said Sunday that Americans can feel economic “pain” for their tariffs on key business partners, but argued that “the price will be worth it” to ensure the interests of the United States.

“Will there be any pain? Yes, maybe (and maybe not!) ”Trump wrote in capital letters on his social media platform Trutha day after signing tariffs to Mexico, Canada and China for concerns about illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

“But we will make a big America againand everything will be worth it for the price to be paid, ”he added.

(With information from AFP and EFE)