China’s commerce ministry said on Thursday that China and the EU have agreed to restart talks on minimum price commitment on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) as soon as possible during a meeting with EU trade chief last week.

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic last week also agreed to hold regular communication at the ministerial level and strengthen exchanges on major economic and trade issues, ministry spokesperson He Yadong told a press conference.

Now facing 54% tariffs on exports to the US, the world’s No. 2 economy China vowed countermeasures, as did the European Union – Washington’s friends and foes united in criticism of measures they fear will deal a devastating blow to global trade.

Trump said the “reciprocal” tariffs were a response to duties and other non-tariff barriers put on U.S. goods. He argued that the new levies will boost manufacturing jobs at home.