By Kim Mackrael

Trade talks between the U.S. and the European Union are progressing, despite Washington doubling tariffs on steel imports, the EU's trade commissioner said Wednesday.

Maros Sefcovic said he told U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that the latest tariff hike doesn't help trade discussions, which the EU has vowed to accelerate. But he said both sides agree negotiations are moving "at pace" and in the right direction.

"Our goal, of course, is to maintain the momentum," Sefcovic said, after meeting Greer in Paris.

He added that the EU was ready to defend its interests if talks fail, but "we will do our utmost to explore every negotiating option and every possibility to resolve this."

Discussions cover economic security, tariffs and market access, Sefcovic said. He said he expects to speak with U.S. officials again in coming days to assess progress, after discussions that are taking place this week in Washington.

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June 04, 2025 08:22 ET (12:22 GMT)

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