Brussels: European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen revealed Monday that the European Union (EU) has offered the United States full and reciprocal exemption from customs duties.

According to Qatar News Agency, the European Commission President stated, "We are ready to negotiate with the United States, and we have offered to exempt industrial goods from customs duties, because Europe is always ready for a good deal." She noted that there has been no appropriate reaction from Washington to this offer.

She further explained that the offer is part of ongoing negotiations between European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and US officials. The President emphasized that if negotiations fail, the Commission is prepared to respond with countermeasures to defend its interests against the customs duties imposed by US President Donald Trump.

Additionally, the European Commission President confirmed that the EU is committed to protecting itself from the influx of cheap goods, especially from China, which is anticipated as an indirect repercussion of the additional duties imposed by the US President. Last Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced comprehensive tariffs on US imports from various countries, aiming to support the US manufacturing sector.

The tariffs imposed on China are 34 percent, while imports from the EU face a 20 percent tariff. There are also tariffs of varying rates on several countries, with a minimum tariff of 10 percent on US imports from all countries.