EU countermeasures to Trump’s tariffs effective April 1

The European Union announced on Wednesday retaliatory trade measures against the U.S. Trump administration's increased tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. This comes after the U.S. officially decided to raise all steel and aluminum import tariffs to 25%, a measure expected to take effect on April 1st and cover industrial and agricultural products.

As the world's largest trading bloc, the EU had anticipated this move by the United States and made corresponding preparations. However, these measures undoubtedly exacerbate already strained transatlantic relations. Just last month, Washington cautioned Europe that it needed to take more responsibility for its own security.

The EU's retaliatory measures will affect approximately 26 billion euros (approximately $28 billion USD) worth of American goods. These goods are not limited to steel and aluminum products, but will also include textiles, household appliances, and agricultural products.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, which has already left the EU, announced that it would not take corresponding retaliatory measures against the United States. The British government stated that Washington's decision to impose a 25% tariff on global steel and aluminum imports was "disappointing."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated: "Since the United States is imposing tariffs worth 28 billion dollars, we will take countermeasures worth 26 billion euros." The European Commission is responsible for trade and commercial conflict affairs on behalf of its 27 member states.

Von der Leyen emphasized: "We always remain open to negotiations. We firmly believe that in a world full of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, burdening our economies with tariffs is not in our common interest."

The European Commission also stated that the retaliatory measures will not only target steel and aluminum products, but will also extend to textiles, leather goods, household appliances, household tools, plastics, and wood. Agricultural products, including poultry, beef, some seafood, nuts, eggs, sugar, and vegetables, will also be affected.

Former U.S. President Trump claimed that his tariff policies would help create jobs in American factories. But von der Leyen countered: "Jobs are at stake. Prices will rise, whether in Europe or in the United States."

Von der Leyen also emphasized: "We deeply regret this. Tariffs are taxes, bad for business and even worse for consumers. These tariffs are disrupting supply chains and creating economic uncertainty."

Trump also imposed similar tariffs on EU steel and aluminum products during his first term, which angered Europe and other allies. At that time, the EU also took retaliatory measures, raising tariffs on American-made products such as motorcycles, bourbon whiskey, peanut butter, and jeans.