The European Union announced Wednesday it will impose counter tariffs on €26 billion ($28.33 billion) worth of U.S. goods starting April 1, retaliating against Washington's renewed steel and aluminum levies. The move marks a sharp escalation in transatlantic trade tensions as Brussels seeks to "defend European interests" with synchronized measures.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the phased approach will first reinstate suspended 2018-2020 rebalancing tariffs next month, followed by new "additional measures" by mid-April. The Commission emphasized the proportional response matches the economic scope of U.S. tariffs imposed under former President Donald Trump, whose 25% levies on EU metals resumed March 6 after expired exemptions.
"We are ready to engage in meaningful dialogue," von der Leyen said, while instructing Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic to restart negotiations for "better solutions." Analysts warn the tit-for-tat measures could inflame lingering trade disputes, impacting sectors from machinery to consumer goods.
The decision highlights persistent friction in U.S.-EU trade relations, with businesses and investors monitoring ripple effects across global supply chains. Market watchers suggest the developments could influence commodity prices and manufacturing costs regionally, though Brussels maintains the measures remain compliant with World Trade Organization rules.
