The European Union (EU) has decided to respond to the US government’s new tariffs on steel and aluminum. The EU announced it will place countermeasures on American goods worth about 26 billion euros (or $28 billion).
The US recently began charging a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, affecting all trade partners. This move has created uncertainty in global trade.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, explained why the EU must act. “Tariffs are like taxes. They hurt businesses and consumers,” she said. “They also increase costs and put jobs at risk in both Europe and the US.”
The EU plans to roll out its countermeasures in two phases:
- April 1: The EU will bring back tariffs it had previously suspended in 2018 and 2020.
- Mid-April: The EU will add new tariffs on US goods worth about 18 billion euros.
The new EU tariffs will target various US-made products, including:
- Steel and aluminum
- Home appliances
- Wood products
- Poultry, beef, and other food items
Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s trade commissioner, said the EU is still open to discussions. However, he made it clear that “unjustified tariffs” on European goods will not be ignored.
“We should be strengthening our trade relationship, not making it weaker,” he said.
This move shows that the EU is willing to fight back against trade policies it sees as unfair. As both sides prepare for negotiations, businesses and consumers will be watching closely to see how this trade dispute unfolds.
