EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič revealed on Friday that the European Union is preparing to send a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration over the weekend, outlining detailed proposals to resolve trade disputes related to steel and aluminum, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.
Concluding his visit to Southeast Asia, Šefčovič stressed that the EU aims to achieve a more balanced trade relationship with Vietnam. Speaking to reporters in Hanoi, he said: “I appreciate Vietnam’s commitment, and I look forward to working together to address the remaining obstacles and move forward toward more balanced trade,” Reuters reported.
He pointed out that Vietnam’s exports to the EU have increased by 60% since the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement came into effect in 2020, compared to only a 10% rise in EU exports to Vietnam. He urged Hanoi to simplify procedures for importing European agricultural products, proposing that licenses granted in one EU member state be automatically recognized across all member states, given the unified rules and standards within the bloc.
Šefčovič also encouraged Vietnam to adopt international standards for the automotive sector, adding that he had discussed ways to enhance investment cooperation with Vietnam’s trade minister during his visit.
