European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a statement today following U.S. President Trump’s decision to pause reciprocal tariffs — a move she described as “an important step towards stabilising the global economy.”
President von der Leyen stressed the importance of clear and predictable trade conditions for the functioning of global supply chains, reiterating that “tariffs are taxes that only hurt businesses and consumers.” She reaffirmed her ongoing support for a zero-for-zero tariff agreement between the European Union and the United States, aimed at restoring balance and certainty to transatlantic trade.
In her statement, von der Leyen confirmed the EU’s commitment to constructive negotiations with the United States to achieve frictionless and mutually beneficial trade, while also underscoring the need to diversify trade partnerships. The EU continues to deepen its engagement with countries representing 87% of global trade, based on shared values of open, rules-based commerce.
These points reflect concerns raised by EUROMETAL and other industry stakeholders during recent consultations with the Commission, where the risks of escalating trade barriers — particularly in the steel, aluminium, and derivatives sectors — were clearly highlighted.
President von der Leyen concluded by stating: “My team and I will continue to work day and night to protect European consumers, workers and businesses. Together, Europeans will emerge stronger from this crisis.”
The statement reinforces a shared vision for open trade, strategic autonomy, and long-term industrial resilience in Europe.
Statement by President von der Leyen on US tariffs
