In a decisive move responding to fresh USA trade restrictions, the European Union has approved a sweeping package of retaliatory tariffs on American goods, signaling a new chapter in transatlantic economic tensions. The decision, backed by all EU member states except Hungary, comes just hours after the United States imposed 25% duties on steel, aluminum, and cars imported from Europe.
The first phase of the EU’s countermeasures will take effect on April 15, impacting a range of USA exports valued at over €20 billion. According to sources from Reuters and AFP, the targeted products include soybeans, motorcycles, and cosmetics, items deemed replaceable for both consumers and industries within Europe.
A proportionate response from a united bloc
Swedish Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa called the move “a proportionate and well-balanced response that protects our interests without escalating the situation.”
“This is a response from a united Union that wants more trade with the United States but now feels compelled to implement countermeasures,” Dousa said.
The tariffs mirror similar moves by China, which earlier in the day raised duties on American imports to 84%, following a dramatic tariff escalation initiated by USA President Donald Trump, who increased tariffs on Chinese goods to a staggering 104%.
Brussels leaves door open for negotiation
Despite the tough stance, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that Brussels remains open to dialogue. “The punitive tariffs can be lifted if the USA agrees to a fair deal,” the Commission noted, reaffirming the EU’s longstanding preference for negotiation over confrontation.
This approach echoes the EU’s response during Trump’s first presidential term, when similar disputes emerged over trade and subsidies.
Norway remains unaffected but wary
Although Norway is not directly involved in the tariff conflict, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (Næringslivets Hovedorganisasjon, NHO) has expressed concern over the broader implications of a worsening trade war.
“Norway is not part of EU trade policy, and such agreements and measures between the EU and the USA do not initially include us,” said NHO leader Ole Erik Almlid. Still, Almlid warned that a global escalation of trade barriers “is bad news for the world economy.”
A fragile global trade climate
This latest development underscores the fragile state of global trade as major powers adopt increasingly protectionist policies. With China and the EU both retaliating against USA tariffs, the potential for a sustained trade war looms large, threatening supply chains and economic recovery efforts worldwide.
In the meantime, President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day suspension on most of the new USA tariffs—maintaining duties only on aluminum, steel, and automobiles. How the EU will respond to this partial concession remains to be seen.
Update: The EU has announced that it will also suspend tariffs on USA goods to negotiate an agreement.
