The European Commission announced on Monday that it will take action to protect EU interests following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration of new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. However, the EU will wait for official clarification before responding.
Trump’s statement, made on Sunday, signals a significant escalation in trade tensions. The Commission emphasized that it had not yet received formal notification of the tariffs and would not react based on broad announcements. In a statement, the EU reiterated that it sees “no justification” for such tariffs and will take necessary measures to safeguard European businesses, workers, and consumers.
If confirmed, these tariffs would mirror Trump’s 2018 trade policies, which saw 25% duties on steel and 10% on aluminum, impacting €6.4 billion ($6.6 billion) worth of EU exports. The EU previously retaliated with tariffs on U.S. goods, but a suspension was negotiated under President Joe Biden.
A key concern for European steel producers is that U.S. import restrictions could redirect 15 million tons of steel originally destined for the U.S. into the EU market, potentially destabilizing the industry. One EU diplomat indicated that if Trump’s policies mirror his first term, the EU’s response is likely to be similar as well.
