EU vows retaliation if Trump imposes tariffs on steel, aluminum

• European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen vowed to respond to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, stating they “will not go unanswered.” The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests and impose harsh countermeasures.
• President Donald Trump levied 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, effective March 4th.
• EU trade ministers will hold an emergency video conference to discuss the organization’s response to the impending tariffs.

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The U.S. is raising tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 25%, with no exemptions. President Donald Trump, who introduced similar tariffs during his first administration, said the move will protect struggling domestic industries.

The measures take effect on March 4, according to the White House.

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The tariffs apply to millions of tons of steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea and other countries that previously received exemptions.

However, the decision is already drawing backlash from U.S. allies, particularly the European Union, which has warned that it will respond with countermeasures that could escalate trade tensions.

How is the EU responding?

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the tariffs “will not go unanswered,” promising that the EU will act to protect its economic interests.

“Tariffs are taxes – bad for business, worse for consumers,” she said, calling the decision unjustified.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned that trade wars “cost both sides prosperity,” while EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic called the move a “lose-lose scenario.” Sefcovic argued it would hurt U.S. manufacturers by raising production costs.

One option for the EU is to reinstate tariffs on U.S. goods, including bourbon, motorcycles, and orange juice — measures previously imposed in response to Trump’s 2018 steel tariffs but later suspended under a trade truce with former President Joe Biden.

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What’s at stake for the EU and US?

The EU is a major steel exporter to the U.S., with Germany, France and Italy among the most affected countries.

In past trade disputes, the EU has retaliated with tariffs on U.S. goods, including bourbon and motorcycles. A similar response could impact American exporters.

At the same time, U.S. industries reliant on imported steel — such as auto manufacturing and construction — could see higher costs, potentially leading to price increases for consumers.

The U.S. is also implementing a “melted and poured” requirement, mandating that imported steel be fully produced within North America to limit indirect imports from China and Russia.