Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič reiterated the EU's proposal for zero-for-zero reciprocal tariffs on industrial goods, including cars, during a "very focused and productive meeting" with US counterparts in Washington on Monday (14 April), spokesman Olof Gill said, adding that the next move was in the hands of the US.

Gill said in the meeting report that overcapacity in the steel and aluminium sectors is also in the scope of ongoing discussions, as is the sustainability of supply chains in semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.

Šefčovič was accompanied by the President's Chief of Staff, Bjorn Seibert, and the pair met with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jameson Greer.

"The EU contributes. Now the US needs to define its position. We will need an additional level of commitment from the US to keep moving the ball forward. It's really up to them," Gill said.

"Discussions are ongoing between experts on both sides while the political level will hopefully be able to make decisions on areas to be included in a possible deal or not," said Commission deputy chief spokesperson Ariana Podesta.

Washington has imposed 25% tariffs on EU imports of aluminium, steel and cars. An additional 10% duty applies to most other European exports destined for the US market.

U.S. President Donald Trump has chastised the EU for its alleged unfair trade terms, and U.S. officials have accused Brussels of restricting market access through a complex web of regulations. The US has drawn up a long list of complaints, particularly in the sanitary, phytosanitary and digital sectors.

The Commission has repeatedly repeated its red lines in negotiations with the US.

"EU standards, especially when it comes to food, health and safety, are sacrosanct," Gill said, ruling out any negotiations on those provisions, as well as "provisions related to technology and the digital market." | BGNES