EU Hits Back: $28 Billion in Tariffs to Counter Trump’s Trade War
Brussels Retaliates Against U.S. Metal Tariffs
The European Union (EU) has announced a massive counterstrike against the new tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump on steel and aluminum imports. In response, the EU will enforce a two-phase tariff plan totaling €26 billion ($28 billion), set to take effect on April 1 and April 13.
In a statement, the European Commission condemned the U.S. tariffs as "unjust" and warned that they could disrupt transatlantic trade, drive up prices, and harm businesses and consumers alike. The EU emphasized that its response would be both "swift and proportionate."
Two-Stage Plan to Hit U.S. Goods
The EU’s retaliation strategy involves two key phases:
- April 1: An initial wave of countermeasures will go live, imposing tariffs on $8.7 billion (€8 billion) worth of U.S. goods. These measures were previously prepared and put on hold.
- April 13: The second phase will introduce further tariffs targeting an additional $19.5 billion (€18 billion) worth of U.S. exports.
Brussels insists that its actions are in full compliance with international trade laws and has urged Washington to engage in dialogue. EU officials made it clear that the tariffs could be lifted if a resolution is reached.
Trade War Intensifies
The conflict was triggered by the U.S.’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, which officially came into effect on March 12. The EU has framed its countermeasures as an economic necessity, mirroring the financial impact of U.S. tariffs.
With both sides digging in, the risk of escalating trade tensions looms large, potentially disrupting global supply chains. Whether negotiations will defuse the standoff remains to be seen.
