US import tariff on steel tops Rutte, Chandrasekaran meeting

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte today met Tata group chief N Chandrasekaran and discussed issues related to the plans of the US to impose higher tariffs on import of steel and aluminium from Europe.

The US is one of the major markets of Tata Steel Europe and the Dutch arm of the company supplies high-quality steel to several firms in the US from its Ijmuiden plant, near Amsterdam.

Asked about the meeting, Rutte said a wide range of subjects were discussed as "Tata in the Netherlands is one of the biggest private employers".

Rutte said the impending higher import tariff imposed by the US on steel and aluminium, which could have significant repercussions for companies in Europe were also discussed.

"Of course we are all worried about what is happening in this looming tariff war with the US. We still have another month of exemption on steel and aluminium imports," he said.

Addressing an event here, Rutte stressed upon the need to negotiate a more permanent solution with the US.

Citing the example of Tata Steel, Rutte said the company produces speciality steel in the Netherlands which is supplied to the US.

The Dutch prime minister, however, insisted that Europe "want a permanent exemption and then we are willing to engage...That is now our negotiating position".

"We are currently working to avoid such a tariff...," he added.

In March this year, US President Donald Trump had announced import tariffs of 25 per cent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum but Canada and Mexico.