EU Commission to discuss trade, US tariff strategy with industries

By Julia Payne

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission has invited the sectors most impacted by U.S. tariffs to an in-person meeting on Thursday, an invitation letter seen by Reuters showed, as the commission weighs new trade partnerships and further countermeasures.

The meeting led by the Commission industry chief Stephane Sejourne will include participants from the steel and autos industries. The meeting follows calls held by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with executives in the metals, pharmaceutical and auto industries.

The meeting is meant to find out what impact EU companies are already seeing in the "short and medium term" and the best responses in terms of "sector-specific policies as well as counter-tariffs and non-tariff counter measures," the invitation letter said.

On top of reciprocal tariffs, Washington has introduced sector-specific duties on steel, aluminium and vehicles.

The Commission is concerned about the forthcoming measures on "pharmaceuticals, copper, semiconductors, lumber, energy products, and certain minerals" and knock-on effects across supply chains. The Commission pointed to possible extra tariffs that may hit some EU companies that still use Venezuelan oil "directly or indirectly."

As the Commission looks to diversify its trade away from the U.S., it is seeking input from industry on the best tools to use whether they be free trade or partnerships.

"The two-hour meeting will be an opportunity to share views on the impact of the tariffs on various industrial sectors as well as the measures the EU could take to mitigate their effect," the letter said.

(Reporting by Julia Payne; Editing by David Gregorio)