Støre om mulig tollavtale: – Vi får se

Statsminister Jonas Gahr Støre denies Norway can enter a tariff agreement with the USA, stating they will see what benefits Norwegian interests. They will not enter an agreement that contradicts Norwegian interests, but they will hear what the Americans propose and whether it is a viable path, says Støre when asked by E24. Regarding a possible clarification on when new information from the USA will be provided, Støre responds that there have been delays and variations, but it is now in the fall that they can expect it.

During a press conference on Thursday morning, Støre emphasizes that Norway was open to an agreement in the fall when discussions were ongoing with the USA, but the Americans were not. The minister states that both processes under Trump have altered the foundation for eliminating tariffs, which they find unreasonable and wrong, and they reject the Americans' arguments.

However, they have not yet received any response to these discussions. Business interests are still awaiting a tariff clarification after the USA initiated an investigation into "structural overcapacity," or the production of goods in excess of demand, which could impact the market balance for Norway and other countries. The uncertainty surrounding the USA tariff was a background factor when Støre met with people from the fishing industry earlier this month.

The fishing industry may be affected by Trump's tariffs. "We have a draft understanding of increased trade with the USA, which we believe is quite good, but we are still considering it with the USA because we think it is a uncertainty of what they can come up with in terms of new types of measures, tariffs, and reactions," says Støre during a speech on August 8th.

E24 recently asked the government several questions about Støre's statements regarding the USA, but they have not received direct answers. Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide responded via the Ministry's communication department, stating that they are open to an agreement, but it must be in the best interest of Norway and the Norwegian business sector.

They prioritize what is collectively best for Norwegian interests and the business sector and make these assessments in close dialogue with business. They will not enter into any agreement for any price, Eide states. Norway has not secured a tariff agreement with the USA. This was the case in the fall, when the American side did not approve the agreement, despite Norway and the American delegations agreeing to the talks.

Since then, both Trump's initial tariff rates were deemed illegal, and in the summer, Norway was subject to a higher tariff rate of 12.5 percent. The Americans have pointed to the lack of an import ban on goods produced by forced labor as evidence against Norway. Both Norway and the Americans disagree with the tariff regime and its justification, Eide has said.