The European Union responds to US tariffs with €26 billion in countermeasures, escalating transatlantic commerce tensions.
Credit score : Shutterstock, Fabrizio Maffei
Brussels isn’t holding again. In response to Washington’s determination to slap new tariffs on European metal and aluminium, the EU is hitting again with €26 billion in countermeasures.
The European Fee has made it clear: these tariffs are unfair, disruptive, and can harm companies and customers on each side of the Atlantic.
EU hits again with €26 billion in metal and aluminium tariffs
The EU’s response will roll out in two phases. First, Brussels will reinstate earlier countermeasures that had been suspended, concentrating on €8 billion price of US items beginning 1 April. Then, a second wave of recent tariffs on American exports price €18 billion will observe by mid-April. This transfer immediately matches the financial influence of the US tariffs, making it clear that the EU gained’t let this slide.
Von der Leyen sounds alarm on tariffs’ influence on costs and jobs
European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen didn’t mince her phrases, calling the tariffs dangerous for enterprise and even worse for customers. She burdened that offer chains will take a success, costs will rise, and jobs shall be in danger. However whereas the EU is pushing again arduous, she additionally left the door open for negotiations, urging Washington to discover a extra cooperative resolution somewhat than escalating a commerce struggle.
For now, Brussels is transferring ahead with a session interval, working till 26 March, to finalise which US merchandise shall be focused. As soon as the method is full, the countermeasures shall be locked in by mid-April. The EU says it’s nonetheless open to dialogue, but when the US sticks to its determination, these tariffs are right here to remain. With international markets already dealing with uncertainty, this newest dispute provides one other layer of pressure to transatlantic relations.