EU Leaders Promise Swift Response to U.S. Tariffs on Bloc’s Aluminium And Steel
EU leaders have pledged a strong response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed disappointment on Tuesday, emphasizing that the European Union would retaliate firmly against the move. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also stressed that the EU would act in unison, presenting a united front as the world’s largest market.
Trump’s executive orders, set to take effect on March 12, impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from several countries, including EU members, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and the UK. Despite warnings from Europe and China, Trump proceeded with the tariffs.
“I deeply regret the US decision to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminum exports,” von der Leyen said. “These unjustified tariffs will not go unanswered. We will take firm and proportionate countermeasures to safeguard our economic interests and protect our workers, businesses, and consumers.”
EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic warned that the tariffs would be “economically counterproductive” and a “lose–lose scenario,” adding that US consumers and businesses would bear the cost, leading to higher prices and inflation.
Trump’s latest executive orders also target steel imports from countries including Brazil, Japan, and South Korea, along with the same list for aluminum. Additionally, the US president hinted that more tariffs could be imposed on cars, pharmaceuticals, and computer chips in the future.
This move marks a repeat of Trump’s previous tariff actions in 2018, which led the EU to implement its own countermeasures.
The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU also opposed the decision, warning that it could have severe negative impacts on jobs, prosperity, and security on both sides of the Atlantic.
