European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič stated that talks with the US are making “rapid progress,” but the decision to double tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50 percent hinders these efforts.

In a press conference in Paris, Šefčovič expressed regret over this decision, stating it “does not serve” the negotiation process.

President Donald Trump enacted these tariffs as a necessary measure to protect national security, despite their failure to stimulate increased production in the industry.