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EU ready to retaliate if US places tariffs on steel, aluminum

The European Union has outlined a plan of counter-measures if the US imposes tariffs on aluminum and steel imports.

EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström says the move must be met with a proportionate response because it will put thousands of jobs in jeopardy. The EU would place tariffs on US steel, peanut butter, cranberries, and orange juice.

Malmström says she hopes the EU will be exempt from the tariffs as a security partner with the US. President Trump has said Canada and Mexico would be exempt from the 25% tariffs on steel and 10% tariffs on aluminum if a “new and fair” NAFTA deal is reached.

In a news conference on Tuesday, Trump told reporters that he stands with his position on the tariffs, but if the European Union takes off existing barriers on US products then it could potentially also be exempt.