As President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs on steel and aluminum imports came into force Wednesday, the European Union has responded [1] with officially implemented $28 billion retaliatory tariffs against the United States. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing trade dispute with President Donald Trump’s administration. The countermeasures that came into force today are a direct response to the U.S. decision to impose sweeping 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
The EU’s tariffs target a wide range of American goods, including steel, aluminum, textiles, home appliances, and agricultural products such as poultry, beef, and certain seafood. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the measures are “strong but proportionate,” aimed at defending the bloc’s economic interests while remaining open to dialogue.
“We deeply regret the U.S. decision to impose these tariffs,” von der Leyen stated. “Tariffs are taxes. They are bad for business and even worse for consumers. These measures disrupt supply chains and create uncertainty for the global economy.”
The retaliatory tariffs are expected to impact key U.S. industries, with analysts warning of potential price hikes and job losses on both sides of the Atlantic. The EU has also signaled its readiness to escalate further if necessary, with additional countermeasures already under consideration.
This latest development underscores the fragile state of transatlantic trade relations, as both sides grapple with the economic and political fallout of the escalating tariff war. Businesses and policymakers are now watching closely to see if negotiations can bring an end to the standoff or if further retaliatory actions will follow.
Sources:
[1]EU strikes back: Announces $28B retaliatory tariffs against Trump; effective from April 1 https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/world/eu-counter-donald-trump-tariffs-us-steel-aluminum-1.10416990