The European Commission has announced it will implement “swift and proportionate countermeasures” on US imports into the European Union in response to the tariffs imposed by the United States on EU steel and aluminium imports.
The European Commission expressed regret over the US decision, describing the tariffs as “unjustified, disruptive to transatlantic trade, and harmful to businesses and consumers, often resulting in higher prices.”
The Commission confirmed that it would allow the suspension of existing 2018 and 2020 countermeasures against the US to lapse on April 1. These countermeasures target various US products in response to the economic harm inflicted on €8 billion worth of EU steel and aluminium exports.
In light of the US tariffs impacting over €18 billion of EU exports, the European Commission is introducing new countermeasures on US exports. These will come into effect by mid-April, following consultations with Member States and stakeholders.
In a statement, the Commission said, “In total, the EU countermeasures could therefore apply to US goods exports worth up to €26 billion, matching the economic scope of the US tariffs. In the meantime, the EU remains ready to work with the US administration to find a negotiated solution. The abovementioned measures can be reversed at any time should such a solution be found.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described EU-US trade ties as the “biggest in the world,” highlighting that they have brought prosperity and security to millions and created millions of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
She stated, “As of this morning, the United States is applying a 25% tariff on imports of steel and aluminium. We deeply regret this measure. Tariffs are taxes. They are bad for business, and even worse for consumers. These tariffs are disrupting supply chains. They bring uncertainty for the economy. Jobs are at stake. Prices will go up. In Europe and in the United States. The European Union must act to protect consumers and business.”
Von der Leyen added, “The countermeasures we take today are strong but proportionate. As the US are applying tariffs worth 28 billion dollars, we are responding with countermeasures worth 26 billion Euros. This matches the economic scope of the US tariffs. Our countermeasures will be introduced in two steps. Starting with April 1 and fully in place as of April 13.”
She expressed the EU’s willingness to engage in negotiations, stating, “In the meantime, we will always remain open to negotiation. We firmly believe that in a world fraught with geopolitical and economic uncertainties, it is not in our common interest to burden our economies with tariffs. We are ready to engage in meaningful dialogue. I have entrusted Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic to resume his talks to explore better solutions with the US.”
According to the Commission, the process initiated in response to the new US tariffs will proceed under the EU’s Enforcement Regulation. The first step in this process includes a two-week stakeholder consultation running until March 26.
Based on the collected input, the Commission will finalise its proposal for adopting countermeasures and consult Member States under the comitology process. Once completed, the Commission aims to have the legal act imposing the countermeasures in place by mid-April.
The EU’s decision follows the US announcement on March 10 that it would impose 25 per cent tariffs on imports of steel, aluminium, and derivative products.
These tariffs will apply to industrial-grade steel and aluminium, semifinished and finished products, and derivative commercial goods, such as machinery parts and knitting needles, affecting up to €26 billion worth of EU exports to the US.
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