US-EU tariff war: Trump threatens retaliation, Europe responds with countermeasures

U.S. imposes 25 percent duty on steel and aluminum, while EU and Canada prepare response measures. Von der Leyen: “Duties hurt companies and consumers, but we are ready for dialogue.”

The tariff war between the United States and the European Union intensifies. As of today, March 12, the U.S. is imposing a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports from Europe, a move that triggered a swift response from Brussels. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced countermeasures to protect European companies and consumers from “unjustified trade restrictions” imposed by Washington.

The European measures include reinstating duties suspended in 2018 and 2020, which will affect a wide range of U.S. products, from motorcycles such as Harley Davidson to bourbon and boats. The new European tariffs will go into effect on April 1 and be fully operational by April 13. Von der Leyen stressed the importance of remaining open to negotiations while responding proportionately to U.S. tariffs.

The U.S. president, Donald Trump, has responded harshly to European criticism, accusing the EU of treating U.S. companies unfairly. “If they tax our products, we will tax theirs,” Trump said, adding that Europe has mistreated American companies for years.

Canada also reacted to the U.S. imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum, announcing equivalent retaliation. Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc called Trump’s move “unjustified,” announcing reciprocal duties of 25 percent on a wide range of U.S. products.

Trade tensions between the United States and its key allies risk further aggravating global economic relations, already marked by uncertainty and instability.

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