U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday shrugged off reports that the European Union was seeking to block imports of U.S. soybeans and other food products over differing standards, warning that such a move would ultimately harm Europe.
Trump, speaking to reporters after a quick trip to Daytona Beach for the Daytona 500 car race, said the U.S. was sticking to its plans to start implementing reciprocal tariffs.
"That's alright. I don't mind. Let them do it. Let them do it. It's just hurting themselves if they do that," he said.
The Financial Times reported earlier on Sunday that the European Commission would agree next week to explore tough import limits on certain foods made to different standards in an effort to protect its farmers, echoing Trump's reciprocal trade policy.
Early targets could include U.S. crops such as soybeans grown using pesticides that EU farmers are not allowed to use, the report said, citing three officials it did not name.
Asked about the report earlier, a White House official earlier said Trump was fighting for fair and reciprocal trade and would stand up for American farmers.
"We will continue to look to open markets all over the world for high-quality American products," the official said.
Tensions are running high between the U.S. and the EU after Trump's decision to impose 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum from March 12; reciprocal tariffs from April; and separate tariffs on cars, pharmaceuticals and semiconductor chips.
All those tariffs would stack on top of each other, U.S. officials have said.
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is expected to travel to Washington on Monday for meetings with U.S. officials on the new trade policy, the European Commission said.
Sefcovic, who had a first telephone call with U.S. counterparts last week, is due to speak at the American Enterprise Institute think tank, which is closely aligned with Trump's Republican Party, on Wednesday.
