State Secretary Zdenko Lucić participated on Monday, 14 July 2025, in the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council held in the trade configuration.
Trade ministers of the EU member states discussed current developments in trade relations with the United States, particularly in light of the recent announcement by the U.S. administration to introduce tariffs of 30% on all imports from the European Union starting 1 August. The ministers expressed their support for the European Commission in continuing negotiations and finding a mutually acceptable and constructive solution to de-escalate trade tensions with the U.S.
Concerns were raised about the potential spillover of trade surpluses from third markets into the EU market, and the Commission was called upon to monitor and report on such disruptions.
The ministers reviewed the status of ongoing trade agreement negotiations, welcoming progress in talks with, among others, India, Thailand, and Malaysia, as well as the launch of negotiations with the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf countries.
Trade relations with China remain a high priority for the Union and its member states. The ministers voiced support for the Commission in continuing dialogue with China aimed at bridging market gaps and ensuring fair market conditions for European businesses. Concerns were raised about China's recent imposition of export controls on rare minerals, alongside expectations that progress might be made to facilitate operations for European companies relying on supply chains from China, potentially by the upcoming EU-China Summit, which will also mark the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations.
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