Trump tariffs ‘will not go unanswered’ – von der Leyen

The EU Commission chief has warned of “proportionate” countermeasures if the US president raises duties on imports of metals

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday that US tariffs on steel and aluminum “will not go unanswered,” warning that they will trigger countermeasures from the bloc.

The remarks come after US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he would impose 25% duties on all steel and aluminum brought into the US, without exceptions or exemptions. He added that the new tariffs will be on top of the existing tariffs on metals. A White House official told Reuters that the measures would take effect on March 4.

Von der Leyen expressed “deep regret” over the decision, stating that tariffs are essentially taxes that harm businesses and burden consumers. EU steel exports to the US have averaged around €3 billion ($3.10 billion) a year over the past decade, according to the latest data.

“Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered – they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures,” von der Leyen said. “The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests. We will protect our workers, businesses and consumers.”

Trump’s move drew widespread backlash across the EU. The bloc’s trade commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, described the measure as a “lose-lose scenario,” in a speech in the European Parliament on Tuesday, warning that it would fuel inflation in the US. He noted that the commission is evaluating the scope of the measures and determining an appropriate response.

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EU to hit back against Trump’s metal tariffs – Paris

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also said on Monday that Brussels will retaliate against the tariffs. Barrot highlighted the “impressive list” of US goods previously targeted by the EU in response to similar tariffs from Trump’s first term in office in 2018, including motorcycles, jeans, tobacco, corn, rice, orange juice, and bourbon.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told the parliament that “if the US leaves us no other choice, the European Union will respond, united,” adding: “in the end, trade wars hurt both sides’ prosperity,” as quoted by Euronews.

The trade row between Washington and Brussels began in 2018 when Trump imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminum over national security concerns, prompting retaliation from the EU. The two sides exchanged tariffs on goods worth over $10 billion. In 2021, the EU reached a temporary truce with the administration of President Joe Biden, pausing tariffs as part of a deal to establish the Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminum. Under the agreement, the US partially lifted its tariffs, introducing quota-based duties, while the EU removed its restrictions.