The European Union (EU) has introduced its first round of retaliatory tariffs against the United States, worth $23.2 billion. This decision is in response to the tariffs former U.S. President Donald Trump imposed on European steel and aluminum.

The new EU tariffs will target a wide range of U.S. products, including soybeans, motorcycles, beauty products, and various industrial and agricultural goods.

The European Commission made the announcement on April 9, 2025, after receiving approval from EU member states. Hungary was the only country to vote against the decision. Starting on April 15, these new tariffs will be collected.

The EU has made it clear that the tariffs could be lifted if the U.S. agrees to negotiate a fair trade deal. They emphasized that their goal is a balanced agreement that benefits both sides.

These tariffs are a direct response to U.S. actions during Trump’s time in office, which the EU considered unfair and harmful to both the U.S. and global economies. The European Commission also pointed out that the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs caused economic damage beyond just Europe.

The EU’s strategy includes two phases. The first phase involves reinstating tariffs that were previously suspended, which will go into effect next Tuesday. The second phase targets new U.S. products, with most of them facing tariffs next month, and some starting in December.

The list of goods impacted by the new tariffs includes a variety of items like poultry, rice, fruits, nuts, textiles, plastics, electrical equipment, and vehicles.

Many of these products come from U.S. states that strongly support the Republican Party, suggesting that the EU’s response is not just economic but also political.

The European Commission has hinted that further actions could come if the U.S. introduces more tariffs, such as the 25% tariff on European cars. They remain open to negotiating a fair deal but are committed to protecting European industries and jobs until then.