The European Union has announced it will impose counter tariffs on €26 billion ($28 billion) worth of US goods starting next month, escalating global trade tensions in response to new blanket US tariffs on steel and aluminium.
The move follows US President Donald Trump’s decision to enforce a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports, which took effect on Wednesday after the expiration of prior exemptions and duty-free quotas.
The European Commission confirmed it would end its current suspension of tariffs on US products starting April 1, followed by an additional package of countermeasures by mid-April.
Targeted US Products
The tariffs will affect a wide range of industrial and agricultural products, including:
- Steel and aluminium
- Textiles
- Home appliances
- Plastics
- Poultry, beef, eggs, dairy, sugar, and vegetables
Previously suspended tariffs on boats, bourbon, and motorbikes will also take effect again. The EU will now conduct a two-week consultation to finalize the list of additional US products subject to tariffs.
EU’s Strategy and Response
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the countermeasures would be implemented in two phases, stating:
“Our countermeasures will be introduced in two steps. Starting with April 1 and fully in place as of April 13.”
However, von der Leyen emphasized that the EU remains open to dialogue, appointing Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic to engage with the US and explore potential solutions.
With trade tensions rising, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the two sides can de-escalate the conflict or whether a full-scale trade war looms.
