EU Set to Retaliate Against US Tariffs with Countermeasures

EU Set to Retaliate Against US Tariffs with Countermeasures

EU Joins Global Response to Trump’s Tariffs

The European Union has agreed to launch its first set of countermeasures in response to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The move aligns the EU with other major economies like China and Canada in a growing international trade dispute.

U.S. Tariffs Take Effect

Trump’s tariffs officially took effect on Wednesday, targeting the EU and numerous other countries. The policy includes:

• 25% import duties on steel, aluminum, and automobiles
• 20% tariffs on nearly all other goods
• 104% duties specifically targeting Chinese goods

These measures sparked volatility in global financial markets.

EU Announces Targeted Response

In retaliation, the European Union will impose 25% tariffs on a range of U.S. products starting next Tuesday. The goods include:

• Maize, wheat, barley, and rice
• Motorcycles
• Poultry and fruit
• Wood products, clothing, and dental floss

According to EU documentation, the listed imports amounted to approximately €21 billion ($23 billion) last year.

Staged Implementation Plan

The EU’s countermeasures will be implemented in three phases:

• April 15: First wave of duties takes effect
• May 16: Second round of tariffs begins
• December 1: Final stage targeting almonds and soybeans

Retaliation Less Than U.S. Tariff Impact

The goods being targeted represent a smaller value than the €26 billion worth of EU metal exports affected by U.S. tariffs.

EU Remains Open to Negotiation

“These countermeasures can be suspended at any time, should the U.S. agree to a fair and balanced negotiated outcome,” the European Commission said in a statement.

Broad Support Among EU Member States

A committee of trade experts representing the EU’s 27 member states voted in favor of the Commission’s plan on Wednesday. Only Hungary opposed the proposal.

Alcohol and Dairy Removed from Final List

The final list of U.S. goods was adjusted after consultation with EU members. Products like dairy and alcoholic beverages were removed following objections from major wine producers like France and Italy. This was prompted by Trump’s threat to impose 200% tariffs on EU wine and spirits.

China and Canada Also Responding

China has already retaliated against U.S. tariffs by announcing 84% duties on American goods, effective Thursday. In response, Trump nearly doubled U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. Canada is also enacting its own measures in response to the widening trade dispute.

“EU Set to Retaliate Against US Tariffs with Countermeasures” “EU Set to Retaliate Against US Tariffs with Countermeasures” “EU Set to Retaliate Against US Tariffs with Countermeasures”