Slovenian Secretary of State for a measured and calm EU response to US tariffs

Luxembourg – The State Secretary at the Slovenian Ministry of Economic Affairs Dejan Židan emphasized the importance of a prudent and calm response from the union to American tariffs during the meeting of EU member states’ trade ministers in Luxembourg. He supported the approach of the European Commission, which aims to negotiate with the USA, prepare countermeasures, and diversify trade with other partners.

“Slovenia supports the efforts of the European Commission and appreciates that in this situation it has not succumbed to the desire for hasty reactions. Sobriety, prudence, and a calm response are crucial in this situation. Slovenia agrees with the directions of the EU’s response. In negotiations with the USA and the diversification of trade with other partners, it is particularly important to strengthen competitiveness and the EU’s single market,” Židan’s statement was quoted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Tourism, and Sports.

Ministers of EU member states discussed the response to the decision of American President Donald Trump to impose an additional 10% tariff on most imports of goods from practically all trading partners, affecting around 60 countries and the EU even more. The USA has separately imposed additional tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum and on imports of cars.

They also talked about trade relations with Beijing. Židan emphasized that China is an important strategic partner with which cooperation should continue to be developed, the ministry reported.

He proposed that a medium-term agreement be reached with China, based on gradually reducing the imbalance in mutual trade. It is essential to agree on a strategy to reduce the imbalance and then take controlled steps forward, said the State Secretary. (April 7)