EU Commissioner to meet US Commerce Secretary amid trade tensions

European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič is set to meet US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in Washington on March 25, with discussions expected to focus on the ongoing trade tensions between the EU and the US.

A Commission spokesperson confirmed the meeting, noting that Šefčovič will also hold talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during his visit, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Details of the talks were not immediately disclosed, but sources suggest that the discussions will revolve around recent tariff disputes and efforts to avoid escalating trade conflicts.

The meetings come at a time of heightened trade tensions, as European officials continue to seek ways to de-escalate a trade war sparked by US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports earlier this month. The European Union has been working to address these tariffs, and Šefčovič indicated last week that little progress had been made in talks with Washington on the matter.

In response to the tariffs, the EU has delayed implementing its first round of countermeasures, which were initially set to take effect in April. Among these countermeasures is a proposed 50 per cent tariff on US bourbon. In retaliation, Trump has threatened to impose a 200 per cent tariff on wines and other alcoholic products from the EU, further intensifying the trade standoff.

Additionally, President Trump has announced plans to implement “reciprocal” tariffs on April 2, which are expected to deepen the trade dispute. As discussions continue, both sides are keen to reach a resolution to prevent further economic damage and avert a full-blown trade war.

By Vafa Guliyeva