EU will stand in solidarity with Canadian and Mexican partners

Reacting to imposition of the new US tariffs on Canada and Mexico as well as additional tariffs on China, leading MEPs stress the EU will remain a reliable trading partner.

After the US government announced that new tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico, as well as China, into the US will start applying on Tuesday, the Chair of the International Trade Committee (INTA) and Standing Rapporteur for the US, Bernd Lange (S&D, DE), Standing Rapporteur for Canada, Javier Moreno (S&D, ES) and Standing Rapporteur for Mexico, Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP, ES) issued following statements:

Bernd Lange, the Chair of the Committee on International Trade and Standing Rapporteur for the US:

“At this time of critical disruption, we stand in solidarity with our Canadian and Mexican partners, whose trade relations depend almost entirely on the US. It is incomprehensible why the US puts illegal and completely unjustified tariffs on its allies, thereby disrupting entire North American value chains and completely undermining the operations of companies. Make no mistake, American companies, workers and consumers will suffer too. There is no winner in a trade war, only losers. Of course the additional tariffs on China also don’t seem to be based on an objective analysis.

These actions undermine confidence in the US as a reliable trading partner. It also reinforces our commitment in pursuing the path we have taken. We continue our engagement with partners who also pursue open, fair and balanced trade that is beneficial to all sides. Forging a common response is crucial. We have a trade agreement with Canada that is very beneficial to both sides. Member States that have not yet ratified CETA should not wait any longer. We must also quickly finalise the modernisation of our trade agreement with Mexico. In this time of economic turbulence, we as the EU must continue to stand out as one of the most attractive, trustworthy and rule-abiding trade partners in the world”

Javier Moreno Sánchez, Committee on International Trade Standing Rapporteur for Canada:

“I cannot think of a more cooperative and trustworthy partner than Canada. The justifications for these tariffs seem to have no ground in reality. As EU, we must continue to deepen EU-Canada trade relations. The CETA agreement has only brought mutual benefits to our workers, businesses and consumers. It is high time that all Member States ratify it.”

Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP, ES), Committee on International Trade Standing Rapporteur for Mexico:

“The US tariffs against Mexico are harmful and unjustified. The EU stands with Mexico in this difficult moment. We have just concluded the negotiations on a modernised Global Agreement, which will allow us to further strengthen our trade relations based on fair rules and common interests. I trust that it will be ratified as soon as possible.”

Background

From 4 March, additional tariffs of 25% on exports of goods from Mexico and Canada to the US kick in as well as 10% levies on energy resources imported from Canada. Chinese-made goods will also face a 10% levy on top of existing tariffs and on top of the 10% of additional levy that were already put in place in February. The new tariffs were originally due to come into effect on 4 February, but both Mexico and Canada secured a one-month delay.

The European Union and the United States have the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship and enjoy the most integrated economic relationship in the world. In 2023, the United States was the largest partner for EU exports of goods (19.7 %) and the second largest partner for EU imports of goods (13.7 %).

For further information contact:

Office of Mr Bernd Lange, email: bernd.lange@europarl.europa.eu, tel: +32 228 45 555

Office of Mr Borja Giménez Larraz, email: borja.gimenezlarraz@europarl.europa.eu, tel: +32 2 28 45967

Office of Mr Javier Moreno Sánchez, email: javier.morenosanchez@europarl.europa.eu, tel: +32 2 28 45492