Member states of the European Union on Wednesday voted to approve imposing a 25 percent tariff on U.S.-exported products to the EU, in retaliation for the Trump administration's announcement on March 12 to levy tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the EU.
The EU considers U.S. tariffs unjustified and damaging, causing economic harm to both sides, as well as the global economy, said the European Commission in a statement.
The European Commission proposed the retaliatory duties on Monday, setting most at 25 percent. The tariffs target a range of U.S. imports in response to Washington's levies on steel and aluminum.
The list spans from agricultural to industrial products such as soybeans, poultry, tobacco, iron, motorcycles, dental floss, and both steel and aluminum. These goods totaled around 22 billion euros (24.36 billion dollars) last year.
EU approves initial retaliatory measures against US tariffs
EU approves initial retaliatory measures against US tariffs
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Brasilia on Wednesday, expressing the willingness to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation.
Lula said that Brazil and China have built strong mutual trust and deepened cooperation across various fields, showing that Brazil's steadfast friendship with China is the right choice and a model for South-South cooperation.
He said that he looks forward to maintaining close high-level exchanges with China, further strengthening economic and trade ties, and expanding the mutually beneficial cooperation in finance, energy and other fields.
China's firm and forceful countermeasures against the "reciprocal tariffs" is admirable, said the Brazilian president, noting that China's just actions have received widespread support while certain country's irresponsible and unilateral practices warrant joint resistance.
Brazil is willing to work with China to advocate free trade, defend international rules, and counter any power overriding international justice, the president added.
Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is willing to work with Brazil to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and push for more outcomes in building a China-Brazil community with a shared future.
China will strengthen its cooperation with BRICS and Global South countries, adhere to multilateralism and safeguard international rules, he said.
On the same day, Wang attended the 15th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security in Brasilia.
Brazilian president meets Chinese FM on closer ties, cooperation
