It made no firm commitments on steel and aluminum, stating only that the two sides intended to consider cooperating to shield their domestic markets from oversupply and ensure secure supply chains, including with tariff-rate quotas, which are duty exemptions on some imports.
Even before the release of the joint statement, the Trump administration took action on Aug. 19 that, in the view of the EU, breached the agreement.
In his letter, Šefčovič raised concerns over the addition by Washington of the items containing steel to the list of products subject to the 50 percent U.S. tariff.
“As per our agreement and numerous discussions, these exports were intended to be subject to a maximum all-inclusive tariff of 15%. However, they now face significantly higher tariffs due to the 50% duty on their steel and aluminum content, coupled with substantial administrative burden,” he wrote.
He estimated that the expansion of the U.S. tariffs affected EU exports worth $55.7 billion.
“I would like to request that the U.S. take the necessary steps to ensure that EU exports now classified as steel and aluminum derivatives are subject solely to the single, comprehensive and maximum 15% duty, and do not face additional duties or administrative requirements,” Šefčovič added.
No reply
POLITICO requested access to all exchanges but did not receive any indication that Greer or Lutnick replied to Šefčovič’s text messages. The screenshot of the WhatsApp message to Greer showed two blue ticks, indicating that it had been read by the recipient.