EU to Impose Countermeasures on US Tariffs, Calls Decision "Unjustified"
Brussels – The European Commission has condemned the United States' decision to impose tariffs on EU steel and aluminum imports, labeling the move "unjustified, disruptive to transatlantic trade, and harmful to businesses and consumers."
In response, the EU will introduce "swift and proportionate countermeasures" on US exports to the European Union. The Commission confirmed that it will allow the suspension of existing countermeasures from 2018 and 2020 to lapse on April 1. These previous measures targeted US products in response to the economic damage inflicted on €8 billion worth of EU steel and aluminum exports.
With US tariffs now affecting more than €18 billion in EU exports, the Commission has outlined new countermeasures, which will take effect by mid-April following consultations with Member States and stakeholders. According to the statement, "In total, EU countermeasures could apply to US goods worth up to €26 billion, matching the economic impact of the US tariffs." However, the EU remains open to negotiations, emphasizing that these measures could be reversed if a diplomatic solution is reached.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the importance of US-EU trade ties, calling them "the largest in the world" and noting their role in fostering prosperity, security, and job creation on both sides of the Atlantic.
"We deeply regret the US decision to impose tariffs on Europe. Tariffs are taxes. They harm businesses and consumers alike," von der Leyen stated. "These tariffs disrupt supply chains, create economic uncertainty, and drive up prices in both Europe and the United States. Jobs are at stake. The EU must act to protect its economy."
She outlined that the EU’s response would be measured yet firm. "Since the US is imposing tariffs worth $28 billion, we are responding with countermeasures worth €26 billion. These will be introduced in two phases, beginning April 1 and fully in place by April 13."
Despite the retaliatory measures, von der Leyen reiterated the EU's willingness to engage in negotiations. "In a world facing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, it is not in our common interest to burden our economies with tariffs. We remain open to meaningful dialogue," she said, adding that Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has been tasked with exploring a resolution with US counterparts.
The European Commission has initiated a process under the EU’s Enforcement Regulation, beginning with a two-week stakeholder consultation ending on March 26. Based on this input, the Commission will finalize its countermeasures and consult Member States under the comitology process, aiming to implement the legal act by mid-April.
The EU’s response follows the US announcement on March 10 that it would impose tariffs of up to 25% on imports of steel, aluminum, and related products. These tariffs apply to industrial-grade steel, semifinished and finished aluminum products, and various derivative goods—including machinery components and knitting needles—impacting €26 billion worth of EU exports to the US.
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