AFP/Getty Images
BRUSSELS—U.S. allies breathed a sigh of relief after President Donald Trump’s last-minute decision to postpone tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from some of Washington’s closest partners helped avoid a trade war, but left many questions about what comes next.
The European Union “takes note of the decision” to delay a ruling by one month, said the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, in an unenthusiastic statement.
“The U.S. decision prolongs market uncertainty, which is already affecting business decisions,” the commission said. “The EU should be fully and permanently exempted from these measures, as they cannot be justified on the grounds of national security.”
The White House said late Monday that broad tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum—already in effect against China, Russia, Japan and others—wouldn’t go into force for the EU on Tuesday as previously planned. Instead, the bloc has another month to continue negotiating with the U.S. about a new pact to avoid the tariffs.
Popular on WSJ.com: