The EC declared its readiness to protect the economic interests of the EU against the background of US duties

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented on Wednesday, March 26, on US President Donald Trump's decision to impose duties on European car exports. According to her, the European Union (EU) plans to defend its economic interests through negotiations.

"The EU will continue to seek negotiated solutions, protecting its economic interests. As a major trading power and a strong community consisting of 27 member states, we will jointly protect our employees, businesses and consumers throughout the EU," von der Leyen said in a statement posted by the press service on the EC's official website.

She also expressed her regret about the decision of the American authorities, noting that duties negatively affect businesses and hit consumers even harder, both in the United States and in EU countries. The EC intends to analyze Trump's decision, as well as other measures that the United States plans to take in the coming days, von der Leyen added.

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On March 26, Trump announced the introduction by the United States of 25 percent duties on all cars and trucks manufactured outside the country. He specified that these measures will come into force on April 2 and will be added to the existing ones. The White House estimates that approximately $100 billion in annual duties will be collected.