Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, vowed on February 11, 2025, that U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium “will not go unanswered,” saying that they will initiate tough countermeasures from the European Union.
“The E.U. will act to safeguard its economic interests,”
Von der Leyen said.
“Tariffs are taxes—bad for business, worse for consumers,”
The European Commission President further said.
“Unjustified tariffs on the E.U. will not go unanswered—they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures.”
What concerns did Maroš šefčovič express about the tariffs?
Also, the European Commission vice-president Maroš Šefčovič expressed that the tariffs are
“economically counterproductive, especially given the deeply integrated production chains established through our extensive transatlantic trade and investment ties.”
“We will protect our workers, businesses and consumers,”
Šefčovič stated but stressed that
“it is not our preferred scenario. We remain committed to constructive dialogue. We stand ready for negotiations and to find mutually beneficial solutions where possible.”
I deeply regret the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminum exports.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 11, 2025
The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests.
We will protect our workers, businesses and consumers ↓
How do the tariffs impact transatlantic trade relations?
A day earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump substantially imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to a balanced 25% “without exceptions or exemptions” in an action he hopes will assist the struggling industries in America but which also threatens to spark a multi-front trade battle.
Donald Trump signed proclamations extending the U.S. tariff rate on aluminium to 25% from his earlier 10% rate and eradicating country exceptions and quota agreements as well as hundreds of thousands of product-specific tariff exclusions for both metals. A White House official ratified the actions would take effect on March 4.
Trump’s proclamation will extend to millions of tons of steel and aluminium imports from Mexico, Canada, Brazil, South Korea and other nations that had been exporting into the U.S. duty-free beneath the carve-outs.
Moreover, the move will streamline tariffs on the metals “so that everyone can understand exactly what it means,” Trump briefed journalists. “It’s 25% without exceptions or exemptions. That’s all countries, no matter where it comes from, all countries.”
