Europe threatens countermeasures as Trump hikes tariffs
The European Commission reacted strongly to Donald Trump's decision to increase tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from the EU to 50 percent. Brussels announced possible retaliatory measures and warned: this harms the global economy and affects industry on both sides of the Atlantic.
The increase in U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum from the European Union to 50 percent was met with an immediate and firm response from the European Commission. EC spokesperson Olof Gill called Donald Trump's decision "regrettable" and warned that Brussels would not hesitate to respond with retaliatory measures.
In a statement released on Saturday, Gill expressed strong concern over the newly announced hike in U.S. steel tariffs, warning that the decision contributes to global economic uncertainty and increases expenses for both consumers and businesses in Europe and the United States.
He also emphasized that the European Union acted in good faith by suspending its own retaliatory tariffs on April 14 to allow negotiations with the U.S. to continue. Meanwhile, Washington decided to take a tougher stance.
The European Commission spokesperson indicated that, unless a mutually agreeable resolution is found, both current and upcoming EU measures are set to be enforced on July 14, or potentially sooner if the situation demands. Meanwhile, Brussels is drafting a set of possible countermeasures aimed at shielding the EU’s industry, consumers, and workforce.
Donald Trump justified the decision to raise tariffs by the necessity to protect the American steel industry.
The new rates are set to take effect on June 4. The United States remains the largest importer of steel in the world – according to the dpa agency, in 2024 alone, they imported the most of this raw material globally.
