European Union countries have supported the European Commission’s initiative to introduce trade countermeasures in response to tariffs imposed by the United States. According to a statement from the European Commission’s press service, the decision made today means that after completing internal procedures and publishing the implementing act, the new tariffs will come into effect on April 15.
This is reported by Finway
“The EU considers the American tariffs to be unjustified and harmful, causing economic damage to both sides as well as to the global economy. The EU has expressed its clear preference for seeking negotiation outcomes with the US that would be balanced and mutually beneficial,” the statement reads.
It is worth noting that the European Commission’s initiative for countermeasures was triggered by the recent US decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from EU countries. These countermeasures can be suspended at any moment if the United States agrees to a “fair and balanced negotiation outcome,” as stated by the European Commission.
Previously, European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič announced that the EU plans to implement corresponding measures on April 15 and May 15. He emphasized that the European Union remains open to dialogue with the US regarding tariffs but has no intention of dragging out negotiations.
Just recently, on April 2, US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of tariffs on goods imported into the United States from around the world. The base tariff on imports of all foreign goods will be 10%, but for EU countries, it will be 20%. We remind you that earlier, on February 10, Trump signed orders to impose 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, which took effect on March 12.