The European Commission unveiled a bold response on the 7th of April, 2025, proposing a 25% counter-tariff on a wide array of U.S. goods.
This move comes in retaliation to President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum.
These counter-tariffs are set to hit various products, including diamonds, eggs, dental floss, sausages, and poultry. Some of these tariffs will kick in on the 16th May, while others, particularly on almonds and soybeans, will take effect from the 1st of December, 2025.
Earlier, EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic clarified that these tariffs would have a milder impact compared to the previously announced €26 billion ($28.45 billion) penalty.
Notably, the Commission had proposed a 50% tariff on bourbon, which led Trump to threaten an eye-watering 200% counter-tariff on European alcoholic beverages.
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This threat created unease in wine-producing countries like France and Italy, who feared the significant impact on their industries.
In addition to the tariffs, the EU took further steps to protect its steel market, enforcing stricter safeguards, by reducing steel imports by 15% on the 1st of April, 2025.
The European Commission is also considering imposing aluminum import quotas, with member states set to vote on this proposal on the 9th of April, 2025.