EU responds to US steel and aluminium tariffs with countermeasures

The European Commission has announced a firm response to the United States' decision to impose new tariffs on EU steel and aluminium imports, calling the measures unjustified and harmful to transatlantic trade. The EU’s countermeasures, designed to be proportionate, aim to mitigate the economic impact on European businesses and consumers while maintaining openness to negotiations.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the negative consequences of the US tariffs, stating, “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. Jobs are at stake. Prices will go up—in Europe and in the United States.” She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to defending its economic interests while remaining open to dialogue with the US.

The Commission's response follows a two-step approach. First, the EU will allow the suspension of its 2018 and 2020 countermeasures against the US to lapse on April 1. These measures target US products in response to economic damage inflicted on €8 billion worth of EU steel and aluminium exports. Second, in reaction to the latest US tariffs affecting more than €18 billion of EU exports, the Commission will introduce additional countermeasures by mid-April, pending consultations with member states and stakeholders. In total, these actions could impact US goods exports worth up to €26 billion, aligning with the economic scope of the US tariffs.

Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič underscored the EU’s position, stating, “We have made clear from the start that unjustified tariffs on our exports will not go unanswered, and we will not shy away from protecting our legitimate economic interests.” While recognizing shared challenges such as global overcapacities in steel and aluminium production, he stressed that the EU seeks solutions through cooperation rather than conflict.

Despite the countermeasures, the EU remains open to finding a negotiated solution with the US. Von der Leyen confirmed that Trade Commissioner Šefčovič has been tasked with resuming discussions to explore alternatives. “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. We are ready to engage in meaningful dialogue,” she stated.

The Commission’s decision to reinstate the 2018 and 2020 countermeasures takes effect on April 1, while the new countermeasures will be finalized following a two-week consultation period ending on March 26. Once approved, the legal act enforcing these measures will come into force by mid-April.

Source: EU Commission, Photo: Fotolia