The European Union will respond to US tariffs with a 26 billion euro measure, increasing tensions in transatlantic trade. Credits: Shutterstock, Fabrizio Maffei
Brussels is not restrained. In response to Washington’s decision to slap new tariffs on European steel and aluminum, the EU is fighting back with a 26 billion euro measure.
The European Commission made that clear. These tariffs will be unfair and destructive and will hurt businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.
The EU was hit by 26 billion euros of steel and aluminum tariffs
The EU response will be expanded in two phases. First, Brussels will recover from previous suspended measures targeting US goods worth 8 billion euros from April 1. A second wave of new tariffs on US exports worth 18 billion euros will then continue by mid-April. The move is directly in line with the economic impact of US tariffs, revealing that the EU will not allow this slide.
von der Leyen sounds alarmed about the impact of tariffs on prices and work
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen did not engrave her words. She emphasized that supply chains will be hit, prices will rise and jobs will be at risk. But while the EU was pushed back hard, she also left the door open for negotiations, urging Washington to find a more cooperative solution rather than escalating the trade war.
For now, Brussels has advanced the consultation period, which ran through March 26th, to determine which US products will be targeted. Once the process is complete, the measures will be locked by mid-April. The EU says it is still open to dialogue, but if the US is stuck on its decision, these tariffs will stay here. As global markets already face uncertainty, this latest conflict adds another layer of tension to transatlantic relations.
