The European Union's trade chief, Maros Sefcovic, expressed optimism on February 20 about averting a transatlantic trade war following discussions with U.S. officials specifically on steel tariffs. Sefcovic urged a postponement of U.S. tariffs and emphasized the importance of mutual tariff reciprocity for the benefit of both sides. In the lengthy four-hour meeting, Sefcovic addressed shared trade concerns with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other counterparts. He underscored the necessity of prioritizing a constructive agenda over retaliatory actions in EU-U.S. trade relations.