EU Member States to Vote on Response to US Tariffs
European Commission proposes countermeasures as tensions escalate over tariffs on steel and aluminum.
BRUSSELS – The European Union's member nations are set to vote on Wednesday, April 9, regarding countermeasures to the United States' tariffs on steel and aluminum, according to a high-ranking EU official.
The proposal from the European Commission aims for endorsement without opposition from a qualified majority, defined as 15 member states that collectively represent 65% of the EU’s population.
This move follows the tariffs imposed by the United States, which have been a source of contention between the EU and the US. Recently, the US initiated significant global trade actions by imposing extensive tariffs on various countries, alongside established taxes on imports including steel and aluminum.
Last month, the EU announced its intention to impose counter tariffs amounting to €26 billion on US goods, set to take effect next month.
This decision seeks to escalate the trade standoff in light of the US tariffs that apply broadly to steel and aluminum imports.
The European Commission has stated its willingness to negotiate but emphasizes that increased tariffs serve no beneficial purpose.
US President Donald Trump's tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminum imports came into force recently, coinciding with the end of prior exemptions and duty-free quotas.
“The countermeasures we take today are strong but proportionate.
As the United States is applying tariffs worth $28 billion, we are responding with countermeasures worth €26 billion,” remarked European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.
She indicated that it is essential for the EU to act to safeguard its consumers and businesses.
Previously suspended tariffs cover a range of products, including boats, bourbon, and motorcycles, with the EU having initiated a two-week consultation process to identify additional product categories for counter-tariffs.
In parallel, European lawmakers expressed strong opposition to President Trump's announced tariffs of 20% on EU goods entering the US. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) criticized the tariffs as unjustified and disproportionate, warning that such measures could precipitate further escalation in tariffs and negatively impact global economic stability.
Bernd Lange, Chairman of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, highlighted concerns over the potential economic repercussions for US consumers and the global market, framing the situation as a trade war that could hinder manufacturing efficiencies and create investment uncertainties.
He reinforced that the EU would respond with legitimate measures to protect its interests.
Iatxe García Pérez, leader of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, reiterated the risks posed to millions of jobs by the US tariffs, contrasting the EU's substantial counter-response with Trump’s measures, which he described as reckless.
He emphasized the unity and strength of the EU as the world’s largest trading bloc while advocating for the prioritization of European citizens' livelihoods.
Brando Benifei, S&D coordinator in the international trade committee, called for broad countermeasures that would extend beyond goods to include services and specifically target large tech firms, aiming to maximize pressure on the US to conclude the ongoing trade disputes.
The proposal from the European Commission aims for endorsement without opposition from a qualified majority, defined as 15 member states that collectively represent 65% of the EU’s population.
This move follows the tariffs imposed by the United States, which have been a source of contention between the EU and the US. Recently, the US initiated significant global trade actions by imposing extensive tariffs on various countries, alongside established taxes on imports including steel and aluminum.
Last month, the EU announced its intention to impose counter tariffs amounting to €26 billion on US goods, set to take effect next month.
This decision seeks to escalate the trade standoff in light of the US tariffs that apply broadly to steel and aluminum imports.
The European Commission has stated its willingness to negotiate but emphasizes that increased tariffs serve no beneficial purpose.
US President Donald Trump's tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminum imports came into force recently, coinciding with the end of prior exemptions and duty-free quotas.
“The countermeasures we take today are strong but proportionate.
As the United States is applying tariffs worth $28 billion, we are responding with countermeasures worth €26 billion,” remarked European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.
She indicated that it is essential for the EU to act to safeguard its consumers and businesses.
Previously suspended tariffs cover a range of products, including boats, bourbon, and motorcycles, with the EU having initiated a two-week consultation process to identify additional product categories for counter-tariffs.
In parallel, European lawmakers expressed strong opposition to President Trump's announced tariffs of 20% on EU goods entering the US. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) criticized the tariffs as unjustified and disproportionate, warning that such measures could precipitate further escalation in tariffs and negatively impact global economic stability.
Bernd Lange, Chairman of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, highlighted concerns over the potential economic repercussions for US consumers and the global market, framing the situation as a trade war that could hinder manufacturing efficiencies and create investment uncertainties.
He reinforced that the EU would respond with legitimate measures to protect its interests.
Iatxe García Pérez, leader of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, reiterated the risks posed to millions of jobs by the US tariffs, contrasting the EU's substantial counter-response with Trump’s measures, which he described as reckless.
He emphasized the unity and strength of the EU as the world’s largest trading bloc while advocating for the prioritization of European citizens' livelihoods.
Brando Benifei, S&D coordinator in the international trade committee, called for broad countermeasures that would extend beyond goods to include services and specifically target large tech firms, aiming to maximize pressure on the US to conclude the ongoing trade disputes.
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