EU calls for further efforts from U.S. for fair trade deal

Meanwhile, trade officials from the EU and their U.S. counterparts began their talks, which appear to have reaffirmed their differences, with a focus on removing tariffs on all industrial goods proposed by the EU.

Park Kun-woo explains.

EU trade officials met with their U.S. counterparts in Washington, D.C., on Monday to reach a deal on tariffs, but were unable to bridge gaps in their stances on trade.

According to the European Commission on Tuesday, the EU's proposal of zero-for-zero reciprocal tariffs on industrial goods, including cars along with non-tariff barriers, were among the main items on the agenda.

It added talks about overcapacity in steel and aluminum, and the resilience of supply chains in semiconductors and pharmaceutical sectors were also part of the talks.

And the EU emphasized it would not budge on standards, standing firm on "red lines," including food, health, and safety, as well as regulations regarding technology and the digital market.

European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill urged the U.S. to clarify its stance, saying the EU is doing its part, and more engagement from Washington is needed to keep the process moving.

Following Monday's meeting, EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic posted on social media, saying a "significant joint effort" from both sides would be needed to reach a fair deal, adding that the EU is ready.

Officials from the U.S. trade representative's office reportedly did not respond to requests for comments on the U.S. stance following the meeting.

With the EU's 90-day pause on retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods set to last until July 14, EU officials say further measures are also being discussed internally in case no agreement is reached by then.

Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.