WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, Feb 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. President dismissed the European Union's reported efforts to block imports of U.S. soybeans and other goods manufactured to different standards, cautioning that such actions would primarily harm Europe itself.
In a conversation with reporters following a brief visit to Daytona Beach for the Daytona 500 car race, Trump affirmed that the U.S. intended to proceed with its implementation plans.
"That's fine. I'm not concerned. Let them proceed. It will only be to their detriment if they go through with it," he remarked.
According to a report by the Financial Times released earlier on Sunday, the European Commission was anticipated to approve measures next week regarding certain goods produced to varying standards in a bid to safeguard its farmers, aligning with Trump's strategy of reciprocal trade policy.
The initial targets might incorporate U.S. crops like soybeans cultivated using pesticides prohibited for use by EU farmers, stated the report, citing three unnamed officials.
In response to the report, a White House official stressed Trump's commitment to advocating for fair and reciprocal trade while supporting American farmers.
"We will strive to expand access to markets worldwide for top-notch American products," the official stated.
Tensions have escalated between the U.S. and the EU subsequent to Trump's announcement of imposing 25% tariffs starting March 12, followed by reciprocal tariffs from April, along with additional tariffs on automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor chips.
U.S. officials have indicated that all these tariffs would be imposed cumulatively.
The European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is scheduled to journey to Washington on Monday for discussions with U.S. officials concerning the new trade policy, as announced by the European Commission.
Following an inaugural teleconference with their U.S. counterparts last week, Sefcovic is set to address the American Enterprise Institute think tank, closely associated with the Republican Party of Trump, on Wednesday.