Brussels—The European Union has taken retaliatory measures against the United States, approving tariffs on $23 billion (£18 billion) worth of American goods in response to President Donald Trump’s steel and aluminum import duties.
The new EU tariffs will be implemented in phases. The first wave will take effect on April 15, followed by additional duties on May 15 and December 1.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, has not yet released a complete list of affected products. Still, the measures are expected to target key US exports, including motorcycles, bourbon, and agricultural goods.
EU Seeks Negotiated Solution Despite Escalation
While moving ahead with countermeasures, EU officials reiterated their preference for a diplomatic resolution.
In a statement, the European Commission criticized the US tariffs as “unjustified and damaging,” warning that they harm both economies and global trade.
“The EU has consistently stated its willingness to negotiate a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement with the US,” the Commission said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a “zero-for-zero” tariff deal covering industrial goods, including automobiles. However, the Trump administration has dismissed the offer as insufficient.
US-EU Trade Tensions Deepen
The dispute stems from the Trump administration’s 2018 decision to impose 25% tariffs on steel and 10% on aluminum, citing national security concerns. The EU and other U.S. allies have long argued that the measures violate global trade rules.
Despite ongoing discussions, negotiations have stalled, with Washington demanding broader concessions, including changes to digital taxes and agricultural market access.
The latest EU tariffs signal a hardening stance, raising fears of a prolonged trade war between the two economic powers.
What Comes Next?
With the first round of EU tariffs set to take effect this month, businesses on both sides of the Atlantic are bracing for higher costs and disrupted supply chains.
Analysts warn that without a breakthrough in negotiations, the conflict could escalate further, potentially affecting additional sectors.
The EU’s phased approach leaves room for last-minute talks, but with neither side showing signs of backing down, a swift resolution appears unlikely.
— Reporting by [Olusola Dayo], [M10News Follow for updates on this developing story.
