Trump fans the flames of the trade war during Coronavirus crisis

"While the coronavirus is testing the resilience of the global community, the Trump administration finds it necessary to fan the flames of the trade war. It's an irresponsible and dangerous distraction from the fight that really matters today", reacted Christophe Hansen MEP, EPP Group Spokesman for the Committee on International Trade, regarding the decision made by the US administration to increase the additional duty rate imposed on aircraft imported from the EU from 10% to 15%. This decision will especially hit Airbus.

"The outbreak of the coronavirus is a stark reminder of the deeply interconnected nature of global supply chains, and underlines the highly interdependent nature of our economies. Yet regardless, the Trump administration continues to undermine multilateral cooperation which will be key to global economic recovery", added Hansen. 

Also, EPP Group Spokesman for the Committee on Transport and Tourism, Marian Marinescu MEP states that Trump’s decision will shake the European aviation industry. "As leaders all over the world are pulling together to reduce human suffering and face down this unprecedented crisis, Trump decides to deal another blow to the airline industry, which is already extensively suffering in light of this crisis", he concluded. 

For the EPP Group, this decision is clearly a missed opportunity for demonstrating solidarity and mutual assistance during this global crisis, and will only further undermine our already tense trade-relations.