Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Member countries of the European Union are expected to approve on April 09, 2025, the bloc’s first countermeasures against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, responding alongside China and Canada in a global trade war.
The approval is set for the same day when Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs against the EU and many other countries were implemented, which includes a staggering 104% duty on China. This move continues his aggressive tariff strategy, leading to increased selling in financial markets.
The European Union contends with 25% import tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars, in addition to the recently introduced broader tariffs of 20% on nearly all other goods, under Trump’s policy targeting countries he claims impose significant barriers to U.S. imports.
How will the EU retaliate against U.S. tariffs?
On Monday, the European Commission proposed additional duties, primarily set at 25%, on various U.S. imports as a direct response to the U.S. metals tariffs. They are also evaluating their response to the car and broader tariffs.
What impact will EU countermeasures have on trade?
According to a document reviewed by Reuters, the imports consist of motorcycles, poultry, fruit, wood, clothing, and dental floss. These imports amounted to approximately 21 billion euros ($23 billion) last year, indicating that the EU’s retaliatory measures will target goods valued at less than the 26 billion euros of EU metal exports affected by U.S. tariffs. The implementation of these measures will occur in phases on April 15, May 16, and December 1.
“We need to strike the right balance to protect the most exposed EU economies,”
An EU diplomat said, adding:
“We are united in our desire for a proportionate response, because retaliatory measures against US products will have a knock-on effect on our industries.”
Are EU countries united in tariff retaliation?
On Wednesday afternoon, a committee of trade specialists from all 27 EU nations will cast their votes on the Commission’s proposal. This proposal can only be vetoed if a “qualified majority” of 15 EU members, who together represent 65% of the population, vote against it.
It is improbable since the Commission has already consulted EU members and updated an initial list from mid-March, excluding U.S. dairy and alcoholic beverages. France and Italy, two leading wine exporters, voiced worries after Trump threatened a 200% tariff on EU wines and spirits if the EU imposed a 50% duty on bourbon.
