The European Union’s reaction to US President Donald Trump’s duties, with tens of billions of euros in US goods, was tough.

The European Commission announced on Wednesday that it will implement its own duties to widespread consumption of US goods, starting with April 1st, and from April 13 they will be fully implemented.

EU countermeasures could apply to exports of US goods up to and 26 billion eurosproportional to US duties.

The committee said it would They hurt American steel and aluminum products, as well as fabrics, leather items, home appliances, household plastic and wood tools. Agricultural products will also be affected – including poultry, beef, certain seafood, nuts, eggs, sugar and vegetables.

The countermeasures were announced after the imposition of up to 25% from the US on steel and aluminum EU.


The Commission announced that it will impose ‘countermeasures for the protection of European businesses, workers and consumers from the impact of these unjustified Restrictions. ”

The EU clarifies that it is ready to work with the US government to find a solution through negotiations. The above -mentioned measures can be reversed at any time If such a solution is found.

‘We are deeply sorry for this measure’ European Commission President Ursula von der Laene said in a statement.

“Trade relations between the European Union and the US are the largest in the world. They have brought prosperity and security to millions of people and the trade has created millions of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. From this morning the United States applies 25% duties to steel and aluminum imports. We are deeply sorry for this measure. Duties are taxes. It’s bad for businesses and even worse for consumers. These duties disturb the supply chains. They bring uncertainty to the economy. Jobs are at stake. Prices will go up. In Europe and in the United States. ”

The President of the Commission added that “the European Union must act to protect consumers and businesses. The countermeasures we receive today are strong but proportionate. As the US applies duties of $ 28 billion, we respond with countermeasures of 26 billion euros. This fits the financial range of US duties. Our countermeasures will be introduced in two steps. Starting from April 1st and fully from April 13. In the meantime, we will always remain open to negotiations. We firmly believe that in a world full of geopolitical and economic uncertainties, it is not in our common interest in burdening our economies with duties. We are ready to participate in meaningful dialogue. I have entrusted Commerce Maros Shefkovic to continue his talks to explore better solutions with the US. “

European steel companies are preparing for major losses due to US duties.

“They will exacerbate the situation of the European steel industry, causing further problems in an already downturn in the market,” said Henrik Adam, president of the European Steel Association last month.

Said the EU could lose up to 3.7 million tonnes of steel exports. The US is the second largest export market for EU steel producers, representing 16% of total EU steel exports.

“Loss of a significant part of these exports cannot be offset by EU exports to other markets”Adam explained.