European Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan on Wednesday (06.05.2020) urged the United States to eliminate tariffs to help revive its economies after the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
«I hope the US appreciates that tariffs don't work "because they reduce economic growth, economic activity and limit jobs," Hogan said during a video interview hosted by the Institute of International and European Affairs.
Hogan insisted that "what we are trying to do is reopen our economies and turn economic activity into growth."
Since Donald Trump's arrival at the White House, The US has imposed tariffs on various European products such as steel and aluminium, but also on Spanish table olives and wine..
"I hope that common sense will prevail and that we can then together reduce costs in various sectors by removing tariffs. This is where I feel that the US and the EU can do a lot together as the world's leading economic regions," said the Irish commissioner.
Hogan said he has written to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to "identify some principles on which the EU and US could work together in areas where trade policies could have an impact."
He added that this could "help restore confidence" and perhaps give a boost to economic activity more quickly," which would also mean an opportunity to "rekindle the transatlantic relationship«.
Regarding the EU's request for authorisation to export medical supplies such as masks in the midst of the pandemic, Hogan confirmed that more than 90% of the requests made by Member States had been authorised, and so he insisted once again that "this was not a ban on exports".
He said that this type of material has been exported to countries around the world, including Africa and Asia, and also to the United States, which was in fact one of the main countries to which these exports were destined.
Asked about another measure taken by the EC in response to the economic urgency during the pandemic, the relaxation of the rules for accepting state aid, and whether it fears imbalances between Germany and other countries, Hogan made it clear that this is a temporary measure requested by the Member States.
"The German economy is huge and I hope this will be reviewed in the coming months to ensure that the measures that were in place before COVID-19 are restored," he said.
Source: Reuters
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