The European Union has greenlit a series of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, targeting items such as jeans and motorcycles, in response to the U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports that took effect last month. The new tariffs, ranging from 10% to 25%, are set to be implemented next week, marking the EU’s first step in counteracting the U.S. trade measures.
The European Commission announced that the list of affected products includes a broad range of U.S. exports, but notably excludes U.S.-made whiskey and other alcoholic beverages, which had originally been proposed for tariffs. However, the EU is preparing to impose additional retaliatory tariffs by mid-May, targeting goods such as beef, poultry, and citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruits. Further countermeasures, including tariffs on nuts and soybeans, are slated for early December.
The EU’s retaliatory measures are aimed at goods worth approximately €21 billion, in response to the U.S. tariffs that have affected European exports valued at €26 billion (about $28.8 billion). Despite these moves, the EU has expressed its preference for diplomatic negotiations over escalating the trade dispute. Work is still underway on additional measures in response to U.S. tariffs on cars and nearly all EU exports to the U.S., announced by President Donald Trump in recent weeks.
Trump’s tariff policy, which aims to address what he perceives as trade imbalances, has been a key component of his economic agenda, designed to boost U.S. production while partially offsetting tax cuts promised during his election campaign. The EU’s decision to impose retaliatory tariffs underscores its commitment to defending its interests while seeking a resolution through continued dialogue.
