The European Union (EU) is planning to impose additional tariffs in response to the tariffs introduced by the administration of US President Donald Trump. This was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Trump's new tariffs and the EU's losses
As of March 12, 2025, the US administration has imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products imported from the European Union and Canada. This new regulation could lead to significant financial losses for the EU, amounting to a total of 26 billion euros.
Brussels has decided to impose additional taxes on goods coming from the US, including boats, motorcycles, and alcoholic beverages, to compensate for these losses.
"Tariffs mean taxes. They are harmful to both businesses and consumers. Tariffs disrupt the supply chain, create uncertainty in the economy, and threaten jobs. This situation is not beneficial for either the EU or the US," said Ursula von der Leyen.
Brussels' response measures
The EU has expressed its readiness to resolve the US tariff war through negotiations. However, Brussels announced that the response measures would be implemented in two phases – on April 1 and April 13.
The European Union had previously attempted to stop the tariff war initiated by Trump. In February, the EU's trade policy representative Maroš Šefčovič held negotiations in Washington, proposing to increase imports of liquefied gas and defense products from the US. However, this attempt was unsuccessful.
"Apparently, the US administration is not ready for an agreement. If Washington prioritizes its interests, the EU will do the same. We will protect European businesses, workers, and consumers from illegal tariffs," said Maroš Šefčovič.
Political conflicts between the US and the EU
Aside from trade issues, the US and the European Union are facing disagreements in other areas as well.
On February 14, 2025, US Vice President Jay Di Vens faced significant criticism from European politicians for trying to pressure European leaders at the Munich Security Conference and for attempting to treat them like children.
Additionally, since the Trump administration came to power, conflicts have arisen between the US and Europe regarding the Ukraine issue. Washington is pushing for negotiations with Moscow and it is becoming clear that it does not want to involve the European Union in this process.
European politicians are interpreting this situation as the US siding with Russia on the Ukraine issue and consider it a betrayal.
Trade war with Canada is also escalating
The Trump administration is facing trade issues not only with the EU but also with Canada. The American president has repeatedly suggested that Canada become the "51st state" of the US and has insulted the country's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by calling him "governor." This is further straining relations between the two countries.
Trade relations between the US and the European Union are becoming increasingly tense. Brussels is taking sharp countermeasures against the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, negotiations are proving ineffective, and political conflicts may deepen this dispute.
Currently, the US is entering into economic conflicts not only with Europe but also with Canada, significantly impacting the global trade environment. This situation could lead to new trade wars in international relations.
