European Commission head discusses response to tariffs with auto, steel and pharma leaders

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently engaged with key industry leaders to address the implications of U.S. tariffs on European sectors. On Monday, she held discussions with representatives from the metals industry and planned subsequent talks with the automobile and pharmaceutical sectors. These meetings aimed to gather insights for potential countermeasures, building on Brussels' existing response to U.S. steel duties, which are set for a vote later this week.

The Commission emphasized the urgency of proposing new trade defense measures, particularly for steel, as current safeguards are due to expire in June 2026. Concerns were also raised about the declining availability of aluminum and steel scrap for recycling, prompting the Commission to consider export duties on EU scrap sales and implement a 15% reduction in steel imports starting April 1. Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe, a major player in the industry, advocated for binding quotas of "European content" in procurement to bolster the EU market.

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The automobile and pharmaceutical sectors also voiced their perspectives during these discussions. The auto industry, represented by groups like ACEA and major companies such as BMW, Volkswagen, and Daimler Truck, pushed for a negotiated solution to reduce EU tariffs on U.S. car imports, with BMW suggesting a cut from 10% to 2.5%. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical sector, exempt from the recent U.S. tariffs, expressed concerns about regulatory hurdles that have discouraged clinical trials in Europe.

 The Commission's engagement with pharma leaders, including EU-based firms and Swiss companies like Novartis and Roche, highlighted the industry's call for streamlined regulatory processes to enhance manufacturing capabilities within Europe. These discussions reflect a broader effort by the EU to mitigate the economic impact of U.S. trade policies while strengthening its internal market resilience.