Negotiation remains a possibility, as tariffs could burden economies amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties
The European Union (EU) on Wednesday revealed its retaliatory trade action following the Trump administration’s official decision to raise tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports to 25 percent. This also includes duties on industrial and agricultural products that are set to take effect on April 1.
The world’s largest trading bloc anticipated the U.S. tariffs and prepared accordingly; however, these measures still impose significant strain on the already tense transatlantic relations. Just last month, Washington cautioned Europe that it would need to take responsibility for its own security moving forward.
The EU’s measures will affect goods from the United States valued at approximately 26 billion euros ($28 billion). These will not be limited to steel and aluminum products; they will also encompass textiles, home appliances, and agricultural goods.
We regret the unjustified US 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports.
The EU will protect its consumers and businesses.
We are launching swift, proportionate countermeasures worth up to €26 billion, matching the economic impact of the US tariffs.
More about our response ↓
— European Commission (@EU_Commission) March 12, 2025
Britain’s stance amid trade tensions
Meanwhile, Britain— which is outside of the EU— announced it would not implement its own retaliatory measures against the United States. The U.K. government described Washington’s choice to impose 25 percent tariffs on global steel and aluminum imports as “disappointing.”
“As the U.S. is applying tariffs worth 28 billion dollars, we are responding with countermeasures worth 26 billion euros,” stated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The commission oversees trade and commercial conflicts on behalf of the 27 member countries.
“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,” von der Leyen emphasized.
Read more: U.S.-Canada trade tensions escalate as Trump boosts, then retracts metal tariffs
Impact of tariffs on various products
The commission also indicated that the retaliation would not only target steel and aluminum products but would also extend to textiles, leather goods, home appliances, household tools, plastics, and wood. Agricultural products—including poultry, beef, some seafood, nuts, eggs, sugar, and vegetables—will also face repercussions.
President Donald Trump claimed that his tariffs would aid in creating U.S. factory jobs; however, von der Leyen countered: “Jobs are at stake. Prices will go up. In Europe and in the United States.”
Economic implications of tariffs
“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,” she asserted.
Trump had previously imposed similar tariffs on EU steel and aluminum during his first term, which incited anger among European and other allies. At that time, the EU also enacted countermeasures in retaliation, raising tariffs on U.S.-made motorcycles, bourbon, peanut butter, and jeans, among other products.