EU Seeks Increased U.S. Goods Purchases Amid Trade Negotiations

According to Odaily, the European Union's chief negotiator has expressed Brussels' intention to increase purchases of U.S. goods by 50 billion euros to address trade relationship issues. The EU is reportedly making 'some progress' in reaching an agreement. However, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič stated that the EU will not accept the continuation of a 10% tariff on its goods as a fair resolution in trade talks. Šefčovič noted that since the implementation of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, the U.S. and EU have made progress through multiple rounds of face-to-face and telephone negotiations. He emphasized that his goal remains to achieve a 'balanced and fair' agreement with the White House. Šefčovič mentioned that the issue could be swiftly resolved as both parties agree to purchase more U.S. natural gas and agricultural products. Nonetheless, he cautioned that reaching an agreement that is 'clearly good and acceptable' for EU member states and the European Parliament will be 'very difficult.'