The EU has announced a clear response to the US tariffs on steel and aluminium that came into effect today. As a first step, additional duties will be imposed on imports of American products such as whiskey, motorcycles, boats, jeans and peanut butter starting in April.
This was announced by the European Commission in Brussels. The new countermeasures will follow from mid-April, after consultation with EU member states. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated: "The European Union must act to protect consumers and businesses." The countermeasures being taken are strong but proportionate."
The German politician sharply criticized US President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs. "These tariffs disrupt supply chains. They create uncertainty for the economy. Jobs are at risk. Prices will rise - in Europe and in the US," she said.
EU sees room for negotiations
Ursula von der Leyen also stressed that she remains ready to work with the US government on a negotiated solution. "We strongly believe that, in a world full of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, it is not in our common interest to burden our economies with tariffs," she said. She had instructed Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovich to resume talks with the US to find better solutions.
The EU's planned new additional tariffs on US products will first be subject to consultations with stakeholders. Member states will then be invited to adopt the proposed measures. The measures are expected to enter into force on 13 April.
Trump announces tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the EU
US President Donald Trump has ordered the imposition of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports. According to the European Commission, these tariffs will affect EU exports worth €26 billion, which corresponds to around five percent of the total volume of EU goods exports to the US.
"Based on current import flows, this will cause US importers to pay up to six billion euros in additional customs duties," it was announced.
The US imports most of its steel and aluminium from Canada. Trump initially said on Tuesday that tariffs on Canada would double to 50 per cent, but he backed down just hours later. In return, the Canadian government reversed its decision to increase the price of electricity exports to the US by 25 per cent.
