The European Union will introduce counter-tariffs on €26 billion ($28 billion) worth of US goods starting next month, the European Commission announced on Wednesday, escalating a global trade dispute following Washington’s sweeping tariffs on steel and aluminium.
The move comes after US President Donald Trump’s increased 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports took effect on Wednesday, as previous exemptions, duty-free quotas, and product exclusions expired.
The European Commission stated that it would lift the current suspension of tariffs on US products from 1 April and introduce a new package of countermeasures by mid-April.
The suspended tariffs, which previously applied to goods such as boats, bourbon, and motorbikes, will be reinstated. Additionally, the EU will conduct a two-week consultation to identify further US products for potential tariffs.
The new measures are expected to target approximately €18 billion in goods, aiming to match the economic impact of Washington’s latest trade restrictions. Proposed targets include industrial and agricultural products such as steel, aluminium, textiles, home appliances, plastics, poultry, beef, eggs, dairy, sugar, and vegetables.
“Our countermeasures will be introduced in two steps, starting on 1 April and fully in place by 13 April,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement.
“We are ready to engage in meaningful dialogue. I have entrusted Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic to resume talks and explore better solutions with the US,” she added.
