The European Union announced that it has suspended its previously planned retaliatory measures against the unfair US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports for 90 days to allow time for EU-US negotiations. This decision was announced by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on April 14, 2025 and will enter into legal force from April 16.
Response to the US 90-Day Postponement
This postponement comes after the US suspended for 90 days the reciprocal tariffs it had previously planned to impose. In total, the EU's retaliatory measures against US exports worth EUR 21 billion have been temporarily suspended. While the EU is waiting for a solution to be found in the negotiations between the parties, it was stated that retaliatory measures will be reintroduced if no concrete result is obtained from the negotiations.
The European Commission wants to prioritize the continuation of negotiations and accelerated efforts to find a solution in order to resolve the strained trade relations with the US in a healthier way. However, if this solution is not achieved, the EU's retaliation plans will be re-implemented.
Trade Policies and Impacts on the Sector
The US imposition of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports shook the balance of global trade and particularly affected the European steel sector. The EU was preparing a proportionate retaliation against the US action, but decided to prioritize negotiations. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič met with his US counterparts in Washington DC to lay the groundwork for negotiations.
EU Trade Strategy and Next Steps
The EU continues to view the US tariffs as unfair and harmful and points out that they will have a negative impact on the global economy. In this context, Europe continues to adopt a solution-oriented approach with the US, while not ruling out further retaliation. The EU's determination in this process is crucial for how future trade relations will be shaped.
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