UPDATE2: Pres spox says Russia concerned about US steel, aluminum duties

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MOSCOW/BRUSSELS/TOLYATTI, Mar 2 (PRIME) -- Moscow shares the concern of European states about introduction of steel and aluminum duties by the U.S., presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.

U.S. President Donald Trump said at a meeting with CEOs of metals producing companies that the country will introduce a 25% steel imports duty and a 10% aluminum duty for a long time.

Peskov said, “This situation is worth closest attention. We know that many European capitals have already expressed an utmost concern about such decisions, we share this concern and we are closely analyzing the situation in trade relations after this statement.”

Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said that while lawyers are considering possible impact of the duties on Russia, it is premature to speak about the state’s counter measures.

He also said that Russia’s loss from such duties will be smaller that that of China and the European Union.

The European Parliament said in a statement citing head on the Committee on International Trade Bernd Lange that the new steel import duties planned by the United States are unacceptable and infringe the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

“The International Trade Committee strongly condemns the announcement by the President of the United States to impose restrictions on imports of steel and aluminum to the U.S. in the form of additional import duties,” the statement read.

“We strongly support the European Commission in giving a firm and immediate response by bringing forward WTO-compatible countermeasures against the United States to defend the interests of our citizens... We also call on the Commission and the Member States… to introduce mitigating measures.”

WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo said that the organization is concerned with the U.S. plans and will pay close attention to the situation.

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