Europe Hits Back: EU to Impose $28 Billion in Tariffs on U.S. Imports

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The European Union will implement counter tariffs on U.S. goods worth 26 billion euros ($28 billion) starting next month, the European Commission announced on Wednesday. This move comes as a response to the U.S.'s blanket tariffs on steel and aluminum, escalating the global trade dispute. Despite the new tariffs, the EU emphasized its openness to negotiations, stating that higher tariffs are not beneficial for anyone.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports went into effect, following the expiration of previous exemptions, duty-free quotas, and product exclusions.

The European Commission confirmed that it would lift its current suspension of tariffs on U.S. products by April 1, with the full implementation of the new tariffs set for April 13.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, “The countermeasures we are taking today are strong but proportionate. As the United States is applying tariffs worth $28 billion, we are responding with countermeasures valued at 26 billion euros.” She added, “The EU must act to protect its consumers and businesses.”

The tariffs will apply to a wide range of products, including boats, bourbon, and motorbikes. The EU also announced a two-week consultation period to select additional product categories for the tariffs.

These measures will target approximately 18 billion euros in goods, aligning the total value of the EU tariffs with the increased trade value affected by the U.S. tariffs.

Von der Leyen emphasized, “In a world filled with geopolitical and economic uncertainties, it is not in our mutual interest to impose such tariffs. We remain ready for meaningful dialogue.” 

Proposed products for the tariffs include industrial and agricultural goods such as steel, aluminum, textiles, home appliances, plastics, poultry, beef, eggs, dairy, sugar, and vegetables.

($1 = 0.9178 euros)

Paraphrasing text from "Reuters" all rights reserved by the original author