EU says US tariffs' decision 'prolongs market uncertainty'

The European Commission said today the United States had merely prolonged "market uncertainty" by its decision to hold off on imposing controversial tariffs on steel and aluminium from the EU, Canada and Mexico.

"The US decision prolongs market uncertainty, which is already affecting business decisions," the commission, the EU's executive arm, said in a statement.

"The EU should be fully and permanently exempted from these measures, as they cannot be justified on the grounds of national security."
"The EU has also consistently indicated its willingness to discuss current market access issues of interest to both sides, but has also made clear that, as a longstanding partner and friend of the US, we will not negotiate under threat. Any future transatlantic work programme has to be balanced and mutually beneficial."