The member states approved the first trade countermeasures against the USA

The EU member states approved the first trade countermeasures against the United States in response to the American tariffs on aluminum and steel imports from the EU.

Specifically, the EU’s trade countermeasures respond to the 25% tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum by Washington in mid-March, with a total value of 26 billion euros. The EU’s countermeasures are of lower value, totaling 22 billion euros, and impose tariffs of up to 25% on a range of American products (agricultural products, household appliances, glasses, motorcycles, diamonds, etc. – the detailed list of these products has not yet been announced). The EU’s tariffs on American products will be implemented in three phases: April 15, on May 16 most of them, and the rest by December 1.

“These countermeasures can be suspended at any time if the US agrees to a fair and balanced outcome from the negotiations,” the Commission points out in its statement.

From this first package of EU countermeasures, bourbon, American wines, and dairy products are excluded. Bourbon and wines were excluded at the request of France, Italy, and Ireland, which fear US retaliation, as US President Donald Trump has threatened with 200% tariffs on European spirits and wines.

“The EU considers the US tariffs unjustified and harmful, causing economic damage on both sides, as well as to the global economy,” it is emphasized in the European Commission’s statement, while it is also highlighted that the EU has clearly stated its willingness to find a “balanced and mutually beneficial” solution through negotiations with the US.

As revealed by the Commission’s president last Monday, the EU, which still hopes for a solution through negotiations, has proposed to the US zero tariffs on all industrial products on both sides of the Atlantic. This EU proposal remains on the negotiation table with Washington.

While awaiting substantial results from the talks between Brussels and Washington, the Commission announced that it could present its response to the remaining American tariffs next week: 25% on European cars and 20% on imports of almost all European products. However, the 27 EU countries differ in the tone of their response to the US, with France and Germany not ruling out that American tech giants could come under the tax target. (4/9/2025)