Marco Rubio is the Florida Secretary of State. He said that after the United States has imposed tariffs on its major trading partners, they will be able to begin bilateral talks with other countries regarding new trade agreements.
Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to impose a 200% tariff on the imports of cognac, wine, and other alcohols coming from Europe, opening up a new front in the trade war that has roiled financial markets and caused recession fears.
Rubio stated that the United States would retaliate against other nations who impose tariffs on it.
“This is global. It’s not against Canada, it’s not against Mexico, it’s not against the EU, it’s everybody,” he told the CBS show “Face the Nation” on Sunday.
He added, “We’ll then engage in potential bilateral negotiations with countries about new trade agreements, which will be beneficial for both sides, based on this new baseline, fairness, mutuality, and equality.”
Rubio didn’t provide details about the new possible deals but said the United States would “reset baseline” to ensure that it is treated fairly.
“We don’t like the status quo. We are going to set a new status quo, and then we can negotiate something if they (other nations) want to,” he said. “What we have now cannot continue.”
