EU Tariffs on US Goods Conditional on Fair Trade Negotiations
14 April 2025 · Uncategorized ·
On April 9th, the European Union approved retaliatory tariffs totaling approximately €21 billion ($23.04 billion) on American imports in response to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs—a figure lower than initially anticipated. The EU stated that these measures can be halted at any time if fair negotiations are reached between both sides.
According to reports from Reuters and *The Wall Street Journal*, the European Union approved preliminary trade retaliation against U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs on April 9th, planning to impose a 25% tariff on roughly €21 billion worth of American goods in two stages beginning April 15th and May 15th respectively; this is significantly less than previous estimates of approximately €260 million.
Notably, the EU removed U.S. whiskey from its initial list due to concerns about potential retaliation against European alcohol products. President Trump had previously threatened retaliatory tariffs of up to 200% on imported wine if Europe imposed high taxes on American whiskeys.
Of the EU’s twenty-seven member states, only Hungary opposed this measure; Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is a known supporter of President Trump.
The European Commission emphasized that these countermeasures can be suspended at any time should fair and just negotiations occur. Recent tariff policies implemented by President Trump have caused global economic disruption; however, he announced a temporary suspension on tariffs for regions outside China until September 1st, generally reducing rates to 10% while imposing higher tariffs of up to 25% on Chinese goods.
The U.S. has levied a 25% import tax on steel and aluminum since March. Beginning in April, it also imposed a 25% tariff on non-U.S.-made cars and parts, which is likely to significantly impact major European automakers such as BMW, Volkswagen (VW), and Stellantis.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič previously described transatlantic relations as being “in a difficult situation.” He noted earlier this month that U.S. retaliatory tariffs on Europe would affect 70% of EU exports.
According to reports from Reuters and *The Wall Street Journal*, the European Union approved preliminary trade retaliation against U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs on April 9th, planning to impose a 25% tariff on roughly €21 billion worth of American goods in two stages beginning April 15th and May 15th respectively; this is significantly less than previous estimates of approximately €260 million.
Notably, the EU removed U.S. whiskey from its initial list due to concerns about potential retaliation against European alcohol products. President Trump had previously threatened retaliatory tariffs of up to 200% on imported wine if Europe imposed high taxes on American whiskeys.
Of the EU’s twenty-seven member states, only Hungary opposed this measure; Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is a known supporter of President Trump.
The European Commission emphasized that these countermeasures can be suspended at any time should fair and just negotiations occur. Recent tariff policies implemented by President Trump have caused global economic disruption; however, he announced a temporary suspension on tariffs for regions outside China until September 1st, generally reducing rates to 10% while imposing higher tariffs of up to 25% on Chinese goods.
The U.S. has levied a 25% import tax on steel and aluminum since March. Beginning in April, it also imposed a 25% tariff on non-U.S.-made cars and parts, which is likely to significantly impact major European automakers such as BMW, Volkswagen (VW), and Stellantis.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič previously described transatlantic relations as being “in a difficult situation.” He noted earlier this month that U.S. retaliatory tariffs on Europe would affect 70% of EU exports.