Overview
- The EU approved retaliatory tariffs targeting U.S. goods, including soybeans, meat, iron, steel, textiles, tobacco, and ice cream.
- The new duties, set at up to 25%, will begin to be collected on April 15 as part of a phased response strategy.
- European officials assert the U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum are unjustified, citing economic harm to both sides and the global economy.
- EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Maros Sefcovic, have warned of additional measures if negotiations with the U.S. fail to produce a balanced resolution.
- The EU's actions represent a calculated effort to protect European industries while keeping diplomatic channels open for potential trade talks.