European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held consecutive phone conferences on Monday, April 7th, with representatives from the metal and automotive industries to discuss the response plan to the recent tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on European Union goods. She is scheduled to meet with senior executives from the European pharmaceutical industry on Tuesday.
The purpose of these meetings is to gather industry perspectives to provide a basis for the EU to formulate a new round of trade defense measures. The EU also plans to vote this week on its initial response to the steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by Washington.
Participants at the meetings expressed concerns about the potential trade diversion and supply chain disruptions that could result from the U.S. tariffs, urging the EU to promptly develop alternative measures after the current steel safeguards expire in 2026.
According to reports from Reuters, in an invitation letter sent prior to the meetings, von der Leyen indicated that the EU would propose a new trade tool to address the structural challenges arising from global overcapacity in the steel industry. Last month, the EU announced a 15% reduction in steel import quotas starting from April 1st and is considering imposing tariffs on scrap steel exports to reduce the loss of recycled materials.
Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe, the second-largest steel company in Europe, proposed setting a mandatory threshold for “European origin minimum content” in public and private procurement to maintain regional industrial competitiveness.
Executives and chairpersons from automotive companies such as BMW, Volkswagen, Stellantis, Scania, Daimler Trucks, and Bosch also attended the meetings. The industry called on the EU and the U.S. to engage in negotiations and lower tariffs on imported cars from the U.S. BMW previously suggested reducing tariffs from 10% to 2.5% in January.
A spokesperson for the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) stated that the key is to prevent dual impact on the European and American car markets and avoid marginalizing European car manufacturers with the 25% import tariff from the U.S.
The pharmaceutical industry expressed concerns about potential future sanctions. While pharmaceuticals have not been included in the new round of tariffs announced by Trump, Washington has stated that it will investigate the industry. Industry representatives hope that the EU will propose specific support measures in promoting local production and simplifying clinical trial procedures.
The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), EuropaBio, and European Medicines were among the organizations that confirmed their attendance at Tuesday’s meetings.
Von der Leyen and industry representatives unanimously agreed that in the current uncertain global situation, the EU needs to continue close collaboration with the industry to safeguard the core interests of European industries and labor.