EU Launches First Countermeasures in Response to US Metals Tariffs

On Wednesday, the European Union announced that it will launch its first countermeasures next week in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs, joining China and Canada in escalating the global trade conflict, Reuters reported (4-9-25).

Under the new measures, the EU faces US tariffs of 25% on steel, aluminum, and automobiles, along with a 20% tariff on nearly all other goods (now delayed by 90 days).

In response, the EU will impose its own duties—mostly 25%—on a range of US imports starting next Tuesday in response specifically to the US metals tariffs. The bloc is still evaluating its response to the automotive and broader trade levies.

Targeted US goods include wood, maize, wheat, barley, rice, motorcycles, poultry, fruit, clothing, and dental floss, according to a document reviewed by Reuters. These imports totaled about €21 billion ($23 billion) last year, less than the €26 billion in EU metals exports now subject to US tariffs.

The EU measures will be phased in, taking effect on April 15, May 16, and, in a final stage, on almonds and soybeans on December 1.

“These countermeasures can be suspended at any time, should the US agree to a fair and balanced negotiated outcome,” the European Commission said in a statement.