The European Union (EU) approved the implementation of retaliatory tariffs of up to 25% on approximately €21 billion ($23 billion) worth of U.S. goods. This decision comes in response to the U.S. administration’s recent imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the EU.
The EU’s targeted products include a diverse range of American exports such as almonds, beef, motorcycles, soybeans, steel, oranges, chainsaws, chewing gum, and peanut butter. The tariffs are scheduled to be implemented in phases, with the initial set taking effect from April to December 2025.
This move is part of the EU’s measured response to escalating trade tensions initiated by the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration had previously imposed a 25% duty on steel and aluminum imports, along with an additional 20% tariff on various European goods under the “Liberation Day” strategy.
While all EU member states supported the retaliatory measures, Hungary was the sole dissenter. The European Commission has emphasized that these measures are reversible should the U.S. engage in fair negotiations. The EU remains open to dialogue, aiming for a resolution that would allow for the suspension of these tariffs.
