EU Seeks Clarification After U.S. Imposes New Tariffs, Kallas Questions Washington’s Justification

MANILA: European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has questioned the United States’ rationale for imposing new tariffs on European goods, saying the bloc will seek clarification from Washington and expressing surprise that the move appears to contradict a transatlantic trade agreement reached last year.

Speaking on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Manila, Kallas rejected the U.S. claim that the European Union had failed to adequately enforce bans on goods produced with forced labor. She argued that the EU maintains strong labor protections and said the justification put forward by Washington was not supported by the bloc’s labor standards.

“We had a deal with America and we have kept our side of that agreement,” Kallas said, describing the tariffs as a “negative surprise” and indicating that Brussels expects Washington to explain why the measures were introduced despite existing commitments.

The Trump administration announced tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on imports from 60 trading partners, including the European Union, citing concerns over inadequate efforts to prevent trade in goods made with forced labor. The measures took effect following the expiry of an earlier temporary 10% global tariff regime.

The European Commission adopted a more measured tone, noting that the new U.S. measures broadly align with the framework of the 2025 EU-U.S. trade agreement because several key European exports—including aircraft parts, generic medicines, diamonds, and cork—remain exempt. However, Brussels reiterated that it expects Washington to fully honor the commitments made under the bilateral trade deal.

Separately, Kallas highlighted the European Union’s recently adopted 21st package of sanctions against Russia, saying the measures target the banking and cryptocurrency sectors in an effort to further restrict Moscow’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine and increase pressure for meaningful negotiations.