BRUSSELS (AP) – On Wednesday, EU trade ministers will hold a virtual meeting to formulate a response to the recent actions taken by the American administration. The European Commission has expressed regret over the decisions made by Trump, but has been preparing for this eventuality for some time. They assure that any countermeasures will be robust and measured.
When Trump imposed import tariffs on steel and aluminum in 2018, the EU retaliated with an initial tariff package worth €2.8 billion, targeting items such as bourbon, Harley Davidson motorcycles, and certain steel and aluminum products. According to the Financial Times, this figure has since risen to €4.8 billion. Although these sanctions were put on hold under President Joe Biden, they are set to be reinstated at the end of March when the existing agreement between the European Commission and Biden expires.
As of April 1, the tariffs will automatically reactivate unless the European Commission decides to lift the suspension sooner and implement countermeasures right away.
An EU diplomat indicated that the Commission is likely to adopt measures similar to those imposed in 2018, which would specifically target U.S. products or states in order to inflict financial damage. Another diplomat suggested that the EU’s initial response will be strategic and limited; however, if Trump introduces additional trade measures in the near future, the EU is prepared to escalate its countermeasures accordingly.
During Trump’s previous presidency, the EU took three months to respond to the steel and aluminum tariffs, but this time, a quicker reaction is expected. EU officials have confirmed that concrete countermeasures are ready, although details have not yet been disclosed.
Some diplomats are hopeful that Trump’s recent announcement may be a negotiating tactic, similar to his previous calls for Mexico to enforce stricter border controls to tackle illegal immigration. Clarity on this matter should emerge during upcoming discussions.
(February 11, 2025)
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