The European Union responds to US tariffs with €26 billion in countermeasures, escalating transatlantic trade tensions.
Credit : Shutterstock, Fabrizio Maffei
Brussels isn’t holding back. In response to Washington’s decision to slap new tariffs on European steel and aluminium, the EU is hitting back with €26 billion in countermeasures.
The European Commission has made it clear: these tariffs are unfair, disruptive, and will hurt businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.
EU hits back with €26 billion in steel and aluminium tariffs
The EU’s response will roll out in two phases. First, Brussels will reinstate previous countermeasures that had been suspended, targeting €8 billion worth of US goods starting 1 April. Then, a second wave of new tariffs on American exports worth €18 billion will follow by mid-April. This move directly matches the economic impact of the US tariffs, making it clear that the EU won’t let this slide.
Von der Leyen sounds alarm on tariffs’ impact on prices and jobs
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen didn’t mince her words, calling the tariffs bad for business and even worse for consumers. She stressed that supply chains will take a hit, prices will rise, and jobs will be at risk. But while the EU is pushing back hard, she also left the door open for negotiations, urging Washington to find a more cooperative solution rather than escalating a trade war.
For now, Brussels is moving forward with a consultation period, running until 26 March, to finalise which US products will be targeted. Once the process is complete, the countermeasures will be locked in by mid-April. The EU says it’s still open to dialogue, but if the US sticks to its decision, these tariffs are here to stay. With global markets already facing uncertainty, this latest dispute adds another layer of tension to transatlantic relations.
