Newsroom
The European Union is hitting back after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a sweeping 25% tariff on all European steel and aluminum imports. In response, the EU announced on Wednesday that it will slap counter-tariffs on $28 billion (€26 billion) worth of American goods, escalating tensions in an already heated global trade dispute.
Starting April 1, the EU will lift its current suspension of tariffs on U.S. products and will introduce a second wave of countermeasures by mid-April. The plan is to ensure that the total impact of the tariffs matches the financial damage caused by Trump’s move.
What’s Getting Taxed?
American industries are about to feel the pinch, as the EU's new tariffs will target a wide range of goods, including:
- Industrial products like steel, aluminum, and textiles
- Household appliances and plastics
- Agricultural goods such as poultry, beef, dairy, eggs, sugar, and vegetables
- Iconic American products like bourbon, motorbikes, and even boats
A Two-Step Plan
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the tariffs will roll out in two phases, starting April 1 and becoming fully effective by April 13. Despite the firm stance, she emphasized that Brussels remains open to negotiations.
"We are ready to engage in meaningful dialogue," von der Leyen said, adding that EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic has been tasked with resuming talks with U.S. officials in hopes of finding a resolution.
Tit-for-Tat Trade War Intensifies
This latest move is just the next chapter in the long-running trade battle between Washington and Brussels. The EU’s countermeasures are designed to hit the U.S. where it hurts, putting pressure on American manufacturers, farmers, and exporters.
With the tariffs taking effect soon, all eyes are now on whether the U.S. and EU can reach a compromise—or if this trade war will only escalate further.
*With information from Reuters
