European Commission to US: A deal is a deal

The European Commission on Sunday demanded that the United States abide by the terms of the trade agreement between the EU and the US reached last year, after the US Supreme Court overturned President Donald Trump's tariffs and he responded by imposing new ones.

The commission said Washington must be "absolutely clear" about steps it intends to take after the court’s ruling.

After the Supreme Court issued its ruling on Friday, the US president announced an across-the-board tariff of 10 percent on all imports, which he increased to 15 percent the next day.

"The current situation is not conducive to delivering “fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial” transatlantic trade and investment, as agreed to by both sides,” the Commission said and added, "A deal is a deal. As the United States' largest trading partner, the EU expects the U.S. to honor its commitments set out in the Joint Statement - just as the EU stands by its commitments.”

On Friday, the Commission initially said it was studying the ruling but Sunday’s statement was much more strongly-worded.

The trade deal reached last year set a US tariff rate of 15 percent on most EU goods, except some such as steel. It also set a zero rate on certain products such as aircraft and spare parts. The EU also agreed to abolish import duties on many American products and withdraw its threat to retaliate with higher tariffs.

“EU products must continue to benefit from the most competitive treatment, with no increases in tariffs beyond the clear and all-inclusive ceiling previously agreed,” the Commission said.