EU strikes back against U.S. tariffs as Trump’s trade war intensifies

As the prospect of peace in Ukraine emerges, Donald Trump has ignited a trade conflict by imposing 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, which take effect today. The European Union has retaliated with counter-tariffs on billions of pounds worth of U.S. goods.

However, the UK remains outside the scope of the EU’s retaliatory measures due to Brexit.

The European Commission, the bloc’s executive body, confirmed it will implement “countermeasures” in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, which took effect today.

The EU’s retaliation targets €26 billion (£21.9 billion) worth of U.S. goods, set to take effect from April 1. The tariffs will extend beyond steel and aluminum, impacting textiles, home appliances, and agricultural products.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed disappointment over the U.S. decision, stating, “We deeply regret this measure. We are ready to engage in meaningful dialogue.”

She emphasized the EU’s willingness to negotiate, adding, “In a world fraught with geopolitical and economic uncertainties, it is not in our common interest to burden our economies with tariffs.”

The European Commission has announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum products in response to the Trump administration’s metal tariffs, which take effect today.

In addition to targeting steel and aluminum, the EU’s measures will extend to American textiles, leather goods, home appliances, household tools, plastics, and wood.

Agricultural products will also be affected, including poultry, beef, seafood, nuts, eggs, sugar, and vegetables.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized the move, stating, “Tariffs are taxes. They are bad for business and even worse for consumers.”

She added, “These tariffs are disrupting supply chains and creating uncertainty for the economy.”