The decision announced by the European Commission on Wednesday, April 9 comes after unanimous approval from EU member states, Hungary has cast its only opposition vote. The committee said that the new measures starting on April 15 will be imposed.
“If the United States agrees to a fair, balanced negotiation outcome, these countermeasures can be suspended at any time,” the committee said.
The levy is a direct response to tariffs on steel and aluminum during the Trump administration, which Brussels has condemned for being unreasonable and harmful to the transatlantic and global economies.
“The EU believes that the U.S. imposes unreasonable and destructive expropriation, which has caused economic harm to both sides and the global economy,” the statement said.
The EU’s response includes two key stages. The first set of previously suspended taxes involving the restoration of Trump’s first term will now take effect next Tuesday. The second phase is targeting a new list of U.S. products, most of which will be subject to tariffs from next month, with some of which will face tariffs starting in December.
The items included in the new list cover a wide variety of sectors such as poultry, rice, corn, fruit, nuts, wood, wood, textiles, plastics, paintings, electrical equipment and vehicles. It is believed that product selection disproportionately affects U.S. states, whose Republican representation is strong, suggesting a strategic element of the EU’s response.
The European Commission also hinted that next week, further retaliation for additional U.S. tariffs, including a 25% tax on European cars and a proposed 20% mutual tariff regime.
Brussels reiterated its preparation for a solution, but stressed that it would continue to protect the interests of European industries and employment until a fair agreement was reached.
