"Let's be clear, the bazooka is still on the table, but we hope we don't have to use it. We tell the US that we want to talk."
This was said by a spokesperson for the European Commission regarding the “anti-economic coercion” instrument, which would give the EU a broader and faster range of measures to respond to Donald Trump's tariffs (and which is why it is also nicknamed the nuclear option).
Overall, the Commission indicated that it will outline to Member States the possible response to US “reciprocal tariffs” “next week”.
An offer from Brussels is already on the table of the White House: to apply, reciprocally,
zero tariffs on industrial goods. It is an offer made well before April 2, so far in vain. And this is where the other side of the EU strategy comes in: the green light to fire the "bazooka", or the first counter-duties, which - unless Washington backtracks - should come into force on April 15.
Meanwhile, China has also urged the United States to show a "genuine willingness to engage in dialogue" if it is serious about engaging in trade talks, following President Trump's threats to impose new tariffs on Chinese products.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said: "I believe the US's actions do not demonstrate a genuine desire for dialogue. If the US really wants to engage in dialogue, then it should show an attitude based on equality, respect and reciprocity."
(Online Union)