The European Commission proposed a zero-tariff agreement for industrial goods to the United States. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the proposal on Monday, in response to the recent increase in import tariffs by Washington.

Von der Leyen emphasized that the European Union remains willing to negotiate a solution that benefits both sides. “In fact, we have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods, as we have successfully done with many other trading partners. Because Europe is always ready for a good deal. That is why we are keeping it on the table,” she stated after a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Brussels.

Europe is ready to negotiate with the US.

We have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods.

Because we’re always ready for a good deal.

But we’re also prepared to respond with countermeasures.

And protect ourselves against indirect effects through trade diversion. pic.twitter.com/hpZ77TXH4B

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 7, 2025

The European Union faces a 20% increase starting Wednesday. Although it still hopes to avoid a trade war, von der Leyen reiterated on Monday that the bloc is ready to implement countermeasures if necessary.

Analysts warn that US tariffs on clean technologies could disrupt global supply lines and drive up the costs of renewable energy projects in Europe, threatening investment flows and deepening dependence on Chinese technology.