US-EU: VdL Confirms 90 Day Pause On Retaliatory Tariffs

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirms earlier reports (see 'US-EU: Wires-EU Considers 90-Day Pause To 15 April Countermeasures: Diplos', 1108BST) of a 90 day pause on the EU's tariffs responding to US steel and aluminium levies, that were due to come into force on 15 April. 

• VdL: "We took note of the announcement by President Trump. We want to give negotiations a chance. While finalising the adoption of the EU countermeasures that saw strong support from our Member States, we will put them on hold for 90 days. If negotiations are not satisfactory, our countermeasures will kick in. Preparatory work on further countermeasures continues. As I have said before, all options remain on the table."
• EU spox holding midday briefing presently. Livestream here. Trade spox Olof Gill says that, as he understands, EU will still face tariffs on autos, the 10% baseline, but not the 20% 'reciprocal' tariffs.
• Spox: 'I don't believe we require any additional legal [backing] from member states to go ahead with pause'. Reiterates that is his understanding, but he will need to check.