EU member states support commission plan for trade response to US tariffs

European Union member states have approved a proposal from the European Commission to introduce trade countermeasures against the United States. The decision comes in response to the US government's move in March to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the EU.

The EU has described the US tariffs as unjustified and economically damaging—not only to transatlantic trade but also to the broader global economy. While the EU maintains that it prefers a negotiated resolution, it has opted to move forward with a proportionate response to the US measures.

Following the member states' endorsement and once internal Commission procedures are completed and the implementing act is published, the countermeasures are set to take effect on 15 April. From that date, duties will begin to be applied to selected imports from the United States.

The European Commission has also noted that the countermeasures can be suspended at any time, should the United States agree to a fair and balanced negotiated outcome.

Source: EU Commission, Photo: Fotolia