EU Hits Back at US Tariffs with Retaliatory Measures

• The European Union announces countermeasures targeting US goods in response to Trump’s 25% steel and aluminum tariffs.

• Brussels plans to impose tariffs matching the estimated $28 billion worth of EU exports affected by US levies.

• While demonstrating strength, the EU refrains from filing a WTO complaint, opting to observe Washington’s reaction before escalating further.

The European Union swiftly responded on Wednesday to the United States’ sweeping new tariffs on steel and aluminum, announcing countermeasures aimed at pressuring Washington into negotiations.

President Donald Trump’s 25-percent tariffs took effect just after midnight in Washington, with the White House standing firm on its decision—granting no exemptions despite efforts by various countries to prevent them.

The European Commission, which oversees the EU’s trade policy, reacted immediately, declaring it would impose retaliatory tariffs starting April 1.

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Brussels plans to target products from US states controlled by Trump’s Republican Party, as well as industries where the EU believes countermeasures could cause enough economic pain to push Washington toward reconsideration.

Although the tariffs affect multiple countries, only the European Union and China initially committed to retaliating, determined to protect their economies.

“We deeply regret this measure,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “Tariffs are taxes. They are bad for business and worse for consumers. They disrupt supply chains and create economic uncertainty.”

An EU official emphasized that the 27-member bloc wanted to demonstrate strength while leaving the door open for dialogue. However, the official clarified that the EU would not immediately file a complaint with the World Trade Organization, opting first to gauge the US response.

Von der Leyen estimated that Washington’s tariffs would impact $28 billion worth of EU exports, with Brussels preparing countermeasures of an equal magnitude against American goods.

European businesses and US companies operating in Europe condemned the move, warning that the escalating trade dispute could inflict economic harm on both sides of the Atlantic.

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