On 9 April EU Member States voted in favour of the European Commission’s proposal to introduce trade countermeasures against the United States.
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.
As stated, the EU considers US tariffs unjustified and damaging, causing economic harm to both sides, as well as the global economy. The EU has stated its clear preference to find negotiated outcomes with the US, which would be balanced and mutually beneficial.
Duties were intended to start being collected as of 15 April.
However, in parallel, President Trump announced a pause on tariffs for most countries except China whose tariffs he raised to 125%.
Despite previously vowing to stick to his hardline trade policy, Trump reversed course by offering relief to countries that had not retaliated against U.S. tariffs. These nations will now face a reduced tariff of 10% until July.
On 10 April, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated on a social media post that following the announcement by President Trump, the EU will also put the countermeasures that were voted on hold for 90 days.
If negotiations are not satisfactory, our countermeasures will kick in. Preparatory work on further countermeasures continues. As I have said before, all options remain on the table.
…said Ursula von der Leyen.
