EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen Vows Retaliation Against Trump’s Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

Brussels Warns of Tough Countermeasures

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared on Tuesday that U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum “will not go unanswered,” warning that the European Union will implement firm countermeasures against the 27-nation bloc’s key trading partner.

“The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests,” von der Leyen said in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to reimpose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

“Tariffs are taxes—bad for business, worse for consumers,” she added. “Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered—they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures.”

Germany Signals Strong EU Response

In Germany, home to Europe’s largest economy, Chancellor Olaf Scholz reinforced the EU’s unified stance, telling parliament, “If the U.S. leaves us no other choice, then the European Union will react united.” He cautioned that “ultimately, trade wars always cost both sides prosperity.”

Trump has reinstated a 25% tariff on foreign steel and aluminum imports, arguing it will shield domestic producers from global competition and stabilize pricing. However, similar tariffs imposed during his first term strained relations with key allies and increased costs for manufacturers reliant on steel and aluminum.

Targeted U.S. Retaliation Likely

While the EU has not disclosed specific countermeasures, officials suggest they will target industries in Republican-led states and major U.S. exports. The last time Trump imposed steel tariffs in 2018, the EU retaliated with tariffs on American motorcycles, bourbon, peanut butter, and jeans.

European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič criticized the move, calling the tariffs “economically counterproductive, especially given the deeply integrated production chains established through our extensive transatlantic trade and investment ties.”

“We will protect our workers, businesses, and consumers,” Šefčovič affirmed. However, he emphasized that “this is not our preferred scenario. We remain committed to constructive dialogue and stand ready for negotiations to find mutually beneficial solutions where possible.”

Trade Relations at Stake

The EU estimates that trade between the two economies amounts to roughly $1.5 trillion, representing about 30% of global trade. “There is a lot at stake for both sides,” Šefčovič told the European Parliament.

While the EU maintains a trade surplus in goods, it argues that this is partially offset by the U.S. surplus in services. In 2023, trade in goods between the two regions reached €851 billion ($878 billion), with the EU holding a surplus of €156 billion ($161 billion). Meanwhile, trade in services amounted to €688 billion ($710 billion), with the EU posting a deficit of €104 billion ($107 billion).

👉 Stay informed with real-time updates and in-depth analysis at NewsLink7.com. Fact-checked news that matters. Follow us 24/7, 365 days. There are no sides, just the truth. Explore more stories and stay ahead with NewsLink7.com.