The European Union has officially approved its first set of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports in response to recently imposed American duties on steel and aluminum. The move, announced by the European Commission on Wednesday, comes amid escalating trade tensions and is set to take effect from April 15. The European Commission, which functions as the executive arm of the 27-member bloc, confirmed that tariffs will be levied on a broad range of U.S. products, with a second tranche of duties expected to follow on May 15. While the European Commission did not release a finalized list of targeted goods, a draft reviewed in March indicated that items such as poultry, grains, metals, and apparel are among those affected.
This action follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from the European Union. The EU has labeled the U.S. measures as unjustified and economically harmful. In a statement, the European Commission emphasized its commitment to a negotiated settlement, stating, “The EU considers U.S. tariffs unjustified and damaging, causing economic harm to both sides, as well as the global economy.” The European Commission further clarified that the countermeasures are designed to be reversible should the U.S. agree to engage in fair and balanced negotiations.
As of April 2, the U.S. has imposed 20% tariffs on nearly all EU imports, with Trump’s administration targeting over 180 countries and territories under a wider tariff strategy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s readiness to protect its economic interests, while also expressing openness to diplomatic dialogue. “We are prepared to respond,” she said, warning of further countermeasures but emphasizing it was “not too late to address concerns through negotiations.” EU Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maros Sefcovic noted that the current U.S. tariffs affect €380 billion ($420.45 billion) worth of European exports, equivalent to approximately 70% of total EU exports to the United States.
He stated that this translates into more than €80 billion in tariffs an eleven-fold increase compared to previous figures. The EU’s response adds to a wave of global actions. China, which is facing a cumulative 104% tariff on its exports to the U.S., announced on Wednesday that it will raise its own tariffs on American goods to 84%, up from 34%, beginning April 10. Markets have responded with volatility as countries adjust their trade policies in reaction to the sweeping U.S. measures. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.