The European Union has decided to impose tariffs on U.S. goods, escalating U.S. trade tensions. This move follows months of disputes over U.S. tariffs on EU steel and aluminum. The EU will begin collecting these tariffs on April 15.
EU member states approved this decision on Wednesday. The European Commission outlined the plan as a countermeasure against U.S. trade actions. The Commission’s statement emphasized that these tariffs directly respond to the U.S.’s tariff policies.
The EU wants to reach a balanced, negotiated solution. If the U.S. agrees to a fair deal, the EU will suspend the countermeasures. However, for now, the tariffs will go into effect starting Tuesday.
“The U.S. tariffs are unjustified and damaging,” the EU stated. The Commission stressed that these measures harm both sides’ economies and the global market. The EU has shown a strong preference for negotiations, seeking mutually beneficial solutions.
Reports indicate that the EU prepared this response if the U.S. failed to reach an agreement. EU trade ministers confirmed the bloc would implement two sets of tariffs. The first set starts on April 15, while the second is scheduled for a month later.
The U.S. trade relationship with the EU is substantial. While the EU imports $334 billion worth of U.S. goods, the U.S. imports $532 billion from the EU. Despite this, the EU’s retaliation could still pressure U.S. industries.
This announcement came on the same day President Donald Trump declared an increase in tariffs on China. In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced a 125% tariff on Chinese goods. He also introduced a 90-day tariff pause for 75 countries negotiating with the U.S., lowering reciprocal tariffs to 10%.
As the U.S. trade tensions continue to rise, businesses in both regions must brace for the economic impact. For now, the EU’s move signals that tariff disputes are far from resolved.
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