BRUSSELS — The European Union has taken a significant step in its trade dispute with the United States, approving the first phase of retaliatory tariffs on US imports.
The tariffs, ranging from 10% to 25%, will target goods worth approximately €21 billion ($22.6 billion) and are set to be implemented next week.
The decision, which was approved by EU member states on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, is a direct response to the US’s imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminium imports in March.
The new tariffs will apply to a range of American products, including jeans, motorcycles, and other consumer goods.
However, US-made whiskey and certain alcoholic beverages were excluded from the initial list of targeted products, marking a change from earlier proposals.
In addition to the initial tariffs, the EU has outlined plans for further retaliatory measures, which are expected to be rolled out in two more phases later this year.
Additional tariffs will be imposed in mid-May and at the end of the year, targeting products such as beef, poultry, and citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruit.
Moreover, tariffs on nuts and soybeans are scheduled to take effect in early December.
The EU’s move is part of a broader strategy to address the US tariffs, which are estimated to impact exports worth €26 billion ($28.8 billion).
The European Commission has emphasized that while these retaliatory measures are necessary, the EU remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the trade dispute, avoiding further escalation.
This latest round of tariffs comes amid growing tensions between the EU and the US over trade imbalances.
US President Donald Trump’s “America First” economic policies, including tariffs on foreign imports, are aimed at encouraging domestic production and partially offsetting tax cuts promised during his election campaign.
Trump has also introduced tariffs on cars and nearly all other EU exports to the US, which has led to further strain in the transatlantic trade relationship.
The EU’s response signals that the trade war between the two economic giants is far from over.
Both sides continue to use tariffs as a negotiating tool, with the potential for more measures in the coming months.
While the EU has made it clear that it prefers negotiations over further escalation, the ongoing tensions underscore the deepening trade rift between the US and its European allies.
