**EU Hits Back at US Tariffs with Countermeasures**
The European Union has taken a bold step in response to the tariffs imposed by the United States on steel and aluminum imports. On April 9, EU member states gave their backing to trade countermeasures against the US, as announced by the European Commission.
This move comes after US President Donald Trump introduced tariffs of 25% on imported steel and aluminum in mid-March. This decision has reignited trade tensions between Washington and Brussels. The EU considers these tariffs “unjustified and damaging,” causing economic harm to both sides, as well as the global economy.
**EU Targets $23 Billion Worth of US Goods**
The bloc has authorized tariffs on around €21 billion ($23.2 billion) worth of US goods, according to Bloomberg. These targeted products include soybeans, diamonds, agricultural products, and motorcycles, primarily from Republican-leaning states. The tariffs are expected to start being levied as early as April 15.
**A Message to the US: Negotiate a Fair Outcome**
The European Commission has stated that these countermeasures can be halted at any time if the US agrees to a “fair and balanced” negotiated outcome. This message is clear: the EU wants to resolve this trade dispute through diplomacy, not escalating tensions further.
**Global Trade Tensions Escalate**
This development adds another layer to the complex web of global trade tensions. Trump’s new tariff policy has already hit other major trading partners, including Ukraine. The US imposed a 10% tariff on Ukrainian imports, compared to 20% on the EU and a staggering 104% on China.
Interestingly, Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Cuba were surprisingly excluded from these tariffs. This decision highlights the US’s strategic priorities in global trade relations.
The implications of this move will be closely watched by traders, economists, and policymakers worldwide. Will this bold step by the EU lead to a negotiated resolution with the US? Only time will tell.