New Delhi: European Union president Ursula von der Leyen vowed on Tuesday that the European Union will retaliate against new US tariffs on steel and aluminum, warning that they “will not go unanswered” and will trigger tough countermeasures from the 27-nation bloc.
“The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests,” von der Leyen said in response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose fresh tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. “Tariffs are taxes — bad for business, worse for consumers,” she added. “Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered — they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures.”
EU leaders criticise move, warn of economic fallout
In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz also reacted strongly, stating that “if the US leaves us no other choice, then the European Union will react united”. He further warned that “ultimately, trade wars always cost both sides prosperity”.
The US president signed executive orders imposing 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports starting from March 12. The tariffs will apply to imports from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, EU countries, and the UK, while additional duties on steel will also affect Brazil, Japan, and South Korea.
EU commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic described the tariffs as “economically counterproductive, especially given the deeply integrated production chains established through our extensive transatlantic trade and investment ties”.
“We will protect our workers, businesses, and consumers,” Sefcovic said but emphasised that “it is not our preferred scenario. We remain committed to constructive dialogue. We stand ready for negotiations and to find mutually beneficial solutions where possible”.
“There is a lot at stake for both sides,” he told the EU legislature.
Warnings over wider trade conflict
Von der Leyen expressed deep regret over the US decision, stating, “Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered — they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures.” She assured that the EU would take necessary steps to protect its economy.
Sefcovic called the decision “a lose–lose scenario”, warning that “by imposing tariffs, the US will be taxing its own citizens, raising costs for its own businesses, and fuelling inflation”.
The new tariffs are reminiscent of Trump’s first presidency when he imposed similar duties on steel and aluminum in 2018, prompting the EU to respond with its own retaliatory tariffs. Trump has also hinted at additional duties on cars, pharmaceuticals, and computer chips.
The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU opposed Trump’s decision, cautioning that it would “have a wide-reaching and overwhelmingly negative impact on jobs, prosperity, and security on both sides of the Atlantic”.
