In a significant escalation of transatlantic trade tensions, the European Union has approved retaliatory tariffs on $23 billion (€21 billion) worth of U.S. goods following Washington’s decision to impose new tariffs on European steel and aluminum imports.
According to the Associated Press, EU member states voted on Wednesday to support the European Commission’s proposal to introduce 25% tariffs on a wide range of U.S. products. This move is a direct response to the U.S. tariffs, which were implemented in March 2025 and which the EU has labeled as “unjustified and damaging.”
“The U.S. measures threaten the integrity of our industry and global trade,” the Commission said in an official statement, reiterating its preference for a negotiated resolution. “We remain committed to a balanced and mutually beneficial solution, but we cannot remain passive while our industries suffer,” the Commission added in a statement published on its official site.
Phased Implementation
The newly approved EU tariffs will be introduced in three phases:
• April 15, 2025 – Initial set of tariffs takes effect.
• May 15, 2025 – Second round of duties begins.
• December 1, 2025 – Final phase of implementation.
This staggered schedule allows time for renewed negotiations, leaving open the possibility of suspending the measures if a “fair and balanced” agreement with the United States is reached.
As of Wednesday, the European Commission had not released a full list of the targeted U.S. goods. The detailed implementing act is expected to be published once internal administrative procedures are completed, according to the Associated Press.
A Unified EU Front
The unanimous vote by EU member states demonstrates a coordinated effort to defend European economic interests. Brussels maintains that the U.S. tariffs on metals violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and disproportionately impact key sectors on both sides of the Atlantic.
The European Commission has stressed that the retaliatory tariffs are legal under WTO frameworks and are designed to mirror the economic impact of the U.S. measures.
Outlook and Implications
This latest development adds pressure to ongoing EU-U.S. trade discussions, which have stalled despite prior efforts at reconciliation. While the EU insists it is open to dialogue, it has made clear that in the absence of progress, it will not hesitate to defend its industries.
As implementation dates draw closer, further details on the affected products, potential exemptions, and the broader economic consequences will likely emerge. Analysts warn that without compromise, both economies risk heightened trade friction amid an already volatile global trade landscape.
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