EU agrees on countermeasures to US steel, aluminum tariffs: commission
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The European Union Commission announced it will implement countermeasures to the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, which were introduced back in March.
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stands prior to a meeting with Iceland's Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, April 9, 2025 (AP)
The European Commission said on Wednesday that EU member states have approved countermeasures in response to the United States imposing 25% tariffs on aluminum and steel imports.
"Today, EU Member States have voted in favour of the European Commission's proposal to introduce trade countermeasures against the United States," the EU commission announced, adding that "The Commission's proposal was made in response to the March decision by the US to impose tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium from the EU."
The statement added that the new EU retaliatory tariffs on US goods will begin to be collected starting April 15.
This comes as the United States continues its tariff barrage on the world, and especially the European Union, with Trump announcing a 34% tariff on the bloc.
EU retaliation to US tariffs could extend 'beyond customs duties'
The European Union's retaliation to the newly imposed 20% tariff by the United States on the bloc may not be limited to reciprocal duties on American imports, French Economy Minister Eric Lombard said on Friday.
"We are working on a response package that could indeed go beyond customs duties to bring the Americans to the negotiating table and reach a balanced agreement..." Lombard told RMC Radio on Friday, adding that the EU's response can be firm without mirroring the US approach, as tariffs on imports from the US could harm the bloc.
The minister called on French companies to demonstrate solidarity and patriotism in the face of the US measures while stressing that Europe must stand its ground against global powers "because we are now in a period of confrontation against the planet’s major blocs: the US, Russia and China. Europe has what it takes to rise to the occasion, but it requires effort."
Previously, on Thursday, French President Emmanuelle Macron urged national companies to halt any investments in the US until greater clarity emerges regarding the specifics of Trump's proposed tariffs, as the world prepares to go to a trade war with the US over its tariff bombardment policy.
"The consequences will be dire for millions of people around the globe," EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement on April 9, adding that the European Union is planning on retaliating to the levies imposed by Trump should talks with the US falter. The European Union was hit with a 20% reciprocal tariff.
