EU – The European Union (EU) has announced a set of countermeasures against the United States, targeting American products such as boats, bourbon, and Harley-Davidson motorbikes in response to new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized the 25% tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on steel, aluminum, and related products, calling them unjustified and disruptive. She warned that the tariffs would increase prices and put jobs at risk in both Europe and the US.
The EU’s response will be implemented in two phases. On April 1, the EU will allow existing 2018 and 2020 countermeasures on US goods—covering €8 billion in economic damage—to lapse. By mid-April, a new wave of retaliatory tariffs will target US exports worth up to €18 billion, bringing the total response to €26 billion—matching the US-imposed tariffs.
The affected American goods will include industrial products like steel, aluminum, textiles, leather goods, and home appliances, as well as agricultural products such as poultry, beef, seafood, dairy, sugar, and vegetables.
A two-week stakeholder consultation will run until March 26, allowing industry and trade representatives to provide input on the proposed countermeasures. The final decision will be approved by EU countries and enforced by mid-April.
Despite these measures, the European Commission remains open to negotiations. Von der Leyen has tasked EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič with resuming talks with Washington to seek a diplomatic solution.
This trade dispute echoes a similar conflict in 2018, when the Trump administration first imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminum. While a temporary suspension of retaliatory tariffs was reached, the latest US action has reignited tensions between the two economic powers.
By Damilola Adeleke| March 13, 2025
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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