"I have previously answered questions on tariffs. The question of trade surplus is not a new issue that has arisen with the Trump presidency; it is a topic that American administrations have frequently addressed". Thus, stated Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the closing press conference following her visit to Saudi Arabia. "In 2023", recalls the Prime Minister, "there was a trade surplus of over 150 billion euros in goods between Europe and the United States in favor of Europe. This is a significant figure, and I understand the United States' perspective; it’s the same issue we, for example, raise with China. After that, if we look at the bigger picture and consider, for example, trade in services, there would be a trade surplus in favor of the United States of about $100 billion, demonstrating that these are complementary and interconnected economies, and that the clash is thus unfavorable to everyone. That is why I am of the opinion that dialogue and a well-balanced solution are the most effective methods of addressing the issue. Consequently, I will make every effort to address it. It is the approach I intend to take, and the path I plan on suggesting in order to find solutions with the American administration", Meloni emphasized.
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