European Parliament condemns U.S. tariffs announcement

BRUSSELS, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The European Parliament on Thursday condemned the United States decision to impose steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union, urging the European Union (EU) to react "immediately with a firm but proportionate" response.

"The International Trade Committee of the European Parliament condemns the decision of the United States to levy tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium from the EU. We fully support the European Commission in its stance against the arbitrary duties that clearly contradict WTO rules," Chairman of International Trade Committee of the European Parliament Bernd Lange said in a statement.

He urged the EU to react "immediately with a firm but proportionate" response. "Unfair trade must be fought in the WTO and in the G20 Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity. Reforms of trade rules are possible, but through negotiations in these fora and not through unilateral measures," Lange said.

"The EU has consistently shown willingness to discuss with the U.S. the trade issues of interest to both sides, but has also made clear that we will not negotiate under threat. We call on Member States to ensure an EU-wide unity in our response to protect our citizens,"Lange added.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump has decided not to extend the temporary steel and aluminum tariff exemptions for the European Union (EU), Canada and Mexico and those tariffs will take effect from Friday. Enditem