EU Faces Renewed U.S. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum, Escalating Trade Tensions

The European Union prepares retaliatory measures as the U.S. reimposes and expands tariffs under the Trump administration, with no progress in negotiations.

• The United States is set to reimpose tariffs on EU steel and aluminum imports this Wednesday, increasing the aluminum tariff from 10% to 25% and expanding duties to derivative products.
• The expanded tariffs will affect an estimated $20.3 billion in EU exports of derivative products, in addition to $8.7 billion in metals, surpassing the impact of similar tariffs in 2018.
• The EU is considering reinstating suspended retaliatory tariffs on $6.4 billion worth of U.S. goods, including bourbon, motorcycles, and orange juice, starting April 1.
• EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič criticized the lack of U.S. engagement in negotiations, stating that the EU remains open to dialogue but will act to protect its businesses and workers if necessary.
• Šefčovič emphasized the importance of careful handling of trade relations, given the $1.7 trillion in annual trade between the EU and the U.S., while highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with other global trade partners.

3 Articles

POLITICO