The European Union has issued a clear warning to the United States, stating it is ready to impose retaliatory tariffs immediately if President Donald Trump proceeds with plans to introduce a 50% import duty on steel and aluminium from the EU.
The European Commission, which negotiates trade policy on behalf of the bloc, conveyed its deep regret over the proposed escalation in tariffs, describing the move as counterproductive to ongoing efforts to resolve the transatlantic trade dispute. The proposed hike would double existing tariffs from 25% to 50%, marking a significant escalation in the US-EU trade standoff.
According to Bloomberg, the warning comes ahead of a high-level meeting between European Commission Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, scheduled to take place in Paris on Wednesday. Meanwhile, a technical delegation from the Commission is already en route to Washington for preparatory discussions.
European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill told journalists in Brussels that the EU remains committed to dialogue but is prepared to act swiftly if talks fail. “If no mutually acceptable solution is found, the existing and potential new EU countermeasures will automatically take effect on 14 July — or earlier if circumstances require,” Gill stated. He added, “The Commission has always made it clear that it stands ready to defend the interests of the European Union, our workers, consumers and industries.”
The EU aims to conclude negotiations before 9 July, the date on which Trump has signalled he may apply the new 50% tariff to nearly all imports from the EU.
As part of its current contingency framework, the EU has already approved tariffs on US goods totalling €21 billion ($24 billion) in response to Trump’s earlier steel and aluminium tariffs. These countermeasures are targeted at products originating from politically significant US states. For example, tariffs on soybeans imported from Louisiana have been included, alongside duties on agricultural products, poultry, and motorcycles.
In anticipation of further tariff escalation, the European Commission has also prepared an expanded list of potential retaliatory measures covering an additional €95 billion worth of American exports. This second round is aimed primarily at US industrial sectors and includes products such as Boeing aircraft, US-manufactured cars, and bourbon whiskey.
Gill reiterated that any new measures would be proportional and in line with international trade rules. “If negotiations do not produce a balanced outcome, the EU is ready to implement new countermeasures, including those in response to the most recent tariff increase,” he said.
Despite the assertive stance, officials in Brussels maintain that their overarching objective is to preserve diplomatic channels and reduce barriers to trade over the long term. “The EU’s goal is not confrontation,” Gill added. “We continue to prioritise negotiation and de-escalation. However, we will not hesitate to protect our interests if forced to do so.”
The dispute marks the latest chapter in a prolonged transatlantic trade row that has spanned successive US administrations. Under President Trump’s first term, relations with the EU were marked by frequent clashes over trade imbalances, tariffs, and subsidies, particularly in the aerospace and automotive sectors.
Although some progress had been made during the Biden administration in easing trade tensions — including the suspension of tariffs linked to the Airbus-Boeing dispute and discussions on a Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminium — the return of Trump to the presidency has renewed concerns about protectionism and unpredictability in US trade policy.
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