“Using national security as an argument for introducing additional tariffs contributes to weakening US credibility,” said Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide (H).
“I am worried that the US is now stepping up further protectionist measures in trade policy,” said Søreide in a statement after it became clear that the United States will not provide new exceptions to the steel and aluminum rods from the EU, Canada and Mexico.
There are no clarifications regarding Norway, adds the Foreign Minister.
“We continue to pursue the case in all channels, and are also working closely with the EU to prevent Norway from being affected by any safeguards the EU implements to protect the European market,” says Søreide.
She believes that customs duties contribute to weakening US credibility in international trade policy. “At the same time, the measure contributes to undermining the rule-based multilateral trading system,” Søreide says.
© NTB scanpix / #Norway Today
