EU to Impose Retaliatory Tariffs on $28 Billion in U.S. Goods

European Commission Confirms Measures Will Take Effect from April 1

The European Union is set to impose tariffs on $28 billion worth of U.S. goods starting next month, the European Commission announced on Wednesday (12th).

This move comes in response to the U.S. decision to implement 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, which took effect at midnight following the expiration of previous exemptions, duty-free quotas, and product exclusions.

The European Commission confirmed that it will end the current suspension of tariffs on U.S. goods by April 1 and will introduce a new set of countermeasures by mid-April. The previously suspended tariffs targeted products ranging from boats to bourbon and motorcycles. The EU also announced a two-week consultation period to determine additional product categories subject to new duties.

Impact and Targeted Goods

The new EU tariffs will target approximately $19 billion worth of goods, with the overall goal of ensuring that the total value of countermeasures matches the economic impact of the new U.S. tariffs.

The list of proposed U.S. products facing tariffs includes:

• Industrial and agricultural goods

• Steel and aluminum

• Textiles

• Home appliances

• Plastics

• Poultry, beef, eggs, dairy, sugar, and vegetables

EU Officials Respond

“Our countermeasures will be introduced in two phases, starting on April 1 and fully implemented by April 13.”

— Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

“We are ready to engage in meaningful dialogue. I have entrusted Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic to resume negotiations with the U.S. to explore better solutions.”

This latest trade escalation highlights growing tensions between the U.S. and the EU, adding further uncertainty to global markets already rattled by economic instability and policy shifts.